Lionel Messi’s sensational form continues. On Wednesday night (local time), the Argentine phenomenon starred with two goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s emphatic 4-0 away victory over New York City FC.
It was Miami’s third straight win, marking a strong recovery from the 3-0 defeat to Charlotte and the start of the Tolukumit era. Notably, Messi has scored at least once and assisted in each of those three matches. This was also the second game in a row in which he recorded a brace and an assist, directly contributing to three goals for his team.
The clash had all the makings of a top-of-the-table battle. Before kickoff, Miami sat fifth in the Eastern Conference while New York, already assured of a playoff spot, was above them. The hosts were very much in the game through the opening half-hour, even creating the more dangerous chances, until Messi began to take control.
In the 38th minute, the star curled a superb free kick that was tipped away at full stretch by goalkeeper Matthew Freese. Five minutes later, he delivered a brilliant through ball to compatriot Baltasar Rodríguez, who slotted home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Sixteen minutes from time, Messi broke loose. Collecting a fine pass from Sergio Busquets, “The Flea” shrugged off his marker and delicately chipped over Freese for Miami’s second. Nine minutes later, Luis Suárez, back from a three-game suspension, converted from the penalty spot to make it 3-0. But Messi wasn’t done. In the 86th minute, a dazzling solo run ended with him netting his second of the night after leaving a New York defender in his wake.
Messi’s brilliant display also etched two new marks into MLS history. He became the first player ever to score at least two goals in eight different league matches, and the first Argentine to be directly involved in 35 goals; 24 goals in 23 games plus 14 assists.
With the win, Inter Miami climbed to third in the Eastern Conference standings, five points behind leaders Philadelphia Union with two games in hand. Up next: a trip to Toronto on Saturday (11:30 p.m. Israel time).