Two goals scored. One assisted. For Lionel Messi, that’s nothing new! In Major League Soccer (MLS) this morning, the Argentine legend’s brilliant performance led Inter Miami to a 4-0 win at New York City FC’s ground. With this victory, Javier Mascherano’s side clinched a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.
In both halves of the match, the Argentine forward etched his name into MLS history. In the 43rd minute, Messi sliced open New York’s defense with a pass that allowed Miami midfielder Baltazar Rodríguez to score. With that assist, Messi became the first player in MLS history to contribute to at least 35 goals in back-to-back seasons. After the break, he scored twice—once in the 74th minute and again in the 86th. Messi also became only the fourth player in MLS history to score multiple goals in eight matches of a single season. Between Messi’s brace, Miami forward Luis Suárez converted a penalty in the 83rd minute.
With this stunning display at New York’s Citi Field, Messi also climbed to the top of this season’s MLS scoring charts. He has scored 24 goals in 23 matches. Los Angeles FC winger Denis Bouanga sits second with 22 goals in 28 matches. This was Miami’s third straight win, and they have widened the gap in goals scored this season—Miami have netted 64 goals so far, compared to Orlando’s 58. In five of their last six matches, Miami have scored at least three goals.
In the 74th minute, Messi chipped the ball over New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese for his first goal. Just three minutes after Suárez scored on his return from a three-match suspension for spitting, Messi fired a brilliant angled shot from the right to net his second.
Inter Miami now sit third in the MLS Eastern Conference with 55 points from 29 matches. Philadelphia Union lead the table with 60 points from 31 games. Miami still have a chance to win the Supporters’ Shield. Playing in the MLS Cup playoffs for the second time in his career, Messi has now scored and assisted in three consecutive matches.
