Let’s talk about the absolute wizardry that is Lionel Messi. You know, the Argentinian maestro who continues to defy expectations, even in Major League Soccer.
This past weekend, Messi put on another masterclass for Inter Miami, notching up his 173rd career brace (that’s two goals for those keeping score) and throwing in an assist for good measure, leading his team to a thrilling 3-2 home victory over DC United. It’s safe to say he’s still got it, and then some!
Messi’s 21st and 22nd goals of the season mean he’s now leading the MLS Golden Boot race, showing exactly why he’s considered one of the greats. Add his 12th assist into the mix, and you get a player who’s truly orchestrating his team’s success. Tadeo Allende actually kicked things off for Miami with the opener, setting the stage for a crucial win.
This victory is pretty significant for the Herons (that’s Inter Miami, for the uninitiated). It marks their first back-to-back league wins since a three game streak back in July. This run has boosted them up to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, just eight points behind leaders Philadelphia, and with three games in hand. Things are looking up for Miami!
For DC United, Christian Benteke managed to score his eighth goal and provided his third assist, but it wasn’t enough. This was their first loss in five matches under their new manager, Rene Weiler, so it’s a bit of a setback. Substitute Jacob Murrell grabbed a late consolation goal for DC after Messi’s second half heroics had already given Miami a commanding 3-1 lead.
Messi’s incredible form means he’s now surpassed Nashville’s Sam Surridge in the Golden Boot chase. Surridge started the night with 21 goals but couldn’t find the net in his team’s 3-2 defeat to Orlando. Frankly, Messi could have bagged a hat trick on another night, as he was constantly threatening the DC goal in the second half.
He forced DC’s goalkeeper, Luis Barraza, into two smart saves just moments after Benteke had levelled the score at 1-1 in the 53rd minute. But Messi, being Messi, swiftly restored Miami’s lead in the 66th minute. With DC’s defence packed tightly in their own box, Jordi Alba received a pass, while Messi cleverly drifted back into play from what might have initially looked like an offside position. Alba then threaded a perfect pass between the defenders to find Messi, who, with his back to goal, turned and calmly slotted the ball past Barraza. Pure class!
Miami even had a chance to extend their lead further in the 72nd minute when Mateo Silvetti earned a penalty, but his shot unfortunately hit the crossbar. However, Messi was on hand to provide the crucial insurance goal in the 85th minute. This time, Sergio Busquets delivered the pass from outside the box, and Messi did the rest. He took on a defender with some dazzling dribbling before unleashing a shot from the edge of the area that flew past Barraza into the top left corner. A truly magnificent finish!
It just goes to show that even in a new league, Messi’s brilliance continues to shine, delivering match winning performances and proving he’s still very much at the top of his game. What a player!
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