Lionel Messi shines once again for Inter Miami with brace in 3-1 win: MLS update

2024-04-21 11:10:00

(CNN) — Lionel Messi once again produced a virtuoso performance for Inter Miami, scoring twice and assisting Sergio Busquet’s goal in his club’s 3-1 victory over Nashville SC.

Since joining Inter Miami last July, Messi has lit up MLS and on Saturday became the first player in the league to contribute multiple goals in five of the first six games of a season.

His brilliance has transformed Miami’s fortunes, helping them to their first trophy last August and their current place at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, as well as drawing huge crowds wherever the club plays, including a home record. Saturday at Chase Field. .

Nashville took the lead after just two minutes, taking advantage of poor Miami defense in a corner when the ball bounced off Franco Negri’s leg and into the net for an own goal.

But less than 10 minutes later, Messi produced one of his trademark labyrinthine runs and, after his initial attempt was saved by goalkeeper Elliot Panicco, Luis Suarez collected the rebound and Messi was on hand to equalize for Miami.

Suarez joined his former Barcelona teammate in Miami in December and the two have formed a potent combination, scoring 17 goals in all competitions between them so far this season.

Messi then became the provider of Miami’s second goal, his perfectly weighted corner kick heading towards the near post and grazing the head of Sergio Busquet, who guided it into the net to give his team a 2-2 lead. 1 just before halftime.

“I’m very happy (to receive the assist from Messi),” Busquet told reporters, according to ESPN, after scoring his first goal for Miami. “I am very happy for everything his presence means at the club level and off the field. We need to continue working to continue meeting our objectives.”

And the Argentine superstar confirmed Inter Miami’s victory in the 80th minute when he coolly converted a penalty to give his team a 3-1 lead that Nashville could not reverse.