Inter Miami claimed their seventh win of the season on Sunday night (CET). Lionel Messi was once again the man of the match in the 6-2 win over the New York Red Bulls
Inter Miami have maintained their lead in the MLS standings and are currently top of the table with 24 points after twelve games. The game against New York did not start well at all, with the visitors leading 1-0 at the break thanks to Dante Vanzeir’s goal. But then came Lionel Messi’s big show.
The Argentinian world champion himself set up Matias Rojas’ equalizer straight after the break before putting his team ahead shortly afterwards. The Argentine was now really on fire, as he set up Rojas’ second goal in the 62nd minute – Miami had turned a 0:1 into a 3:1 within 17 minutes.
However, the home side were far from being full of goals, as Luis Suarez’s finest hour followed. The striker scored a flawless hat-trick within 13 minutes – his first in Major League Soccer. All three goals were prepared – naturally – by his buddy Messi. Ex-Leipzig player Emil Forsberg’s goal from the penalty spot made the final score 6:2
Messi sets two MLS records
An evening that even Messi, who has experienced a lot in his career, will not forget in a hurry. Because “La Pulga” set two records in the MLS with his gala performance. Never before has a player in the US professional league scored six goals in one match. In addition, no player has ever managed to provide five assists in one match. Mind you, the 36-year-old did all of this in the 2nd half, which makes these figures even more impressive.
Messi now has ten goals and ten assists after just eight league games. The Argentine and his team continue their campaign on Sunday (1.30pm) at Club de Foot Montreal.
