Lionel Messi illuminated the night with an extraordinary performance for Inter Miami, etching his name into the annals of Major League Soccer history. With a goal and five assists, Messi spearheaded Inter Miami’s commanding 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. In a display of unmatched prowess, the Argentine maestro, an eight-time Ballon d’Or laureate, notched three MLS records in a single game: six goal contributions, five assists overall, and five assists in a single half.
This remarkable feat adds to Messi’s already illustrious accolades, earning him the MLS Player of the Month Award for April and extending his streak of scoring and assisting in six consecutive league matches. Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, expressed admiration for Messi’s consistent ability to redefine excellence: “It has become redundant but it appears that he is always making history.”
The match showcased a formidable partnership between Messi and fellow striker Luis Suárez, who contributed three goals to the victory. Matias Rojas, supported by Messi’s expert playmaking, secured two goals of his own, emphasizing the cohesive synergy within Inter Miami’s lineup. With both Messi and Suárez now boasting a league-leading tally of 10 goals each, Inter Miami maintains its dominance atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 7-2-3, totaling 24 points.
Inter Miami’s triumph extends their unbeaten streak to six games, a testament to their resilience and cohesion as a team. This streak commenced following a setback against New York on April 20, during which Messi was sidelined due to injury. Martino acknowledged Messi’s indispensable role within the team, emphasizing his absence during challenging moments.
The electrifying match showcased Messi’s enduring brilliance, as he orchestrated Inter Miami’s resurgence from a halftime deficit to a resounding victory. With each precise pass and clinical finish, Messi reaffirmed his status as one of football’s most transcendent talents, leaving an indelible mark on the MLS landscape.
