In Wednesday’s 4-0 victory over New York City FC, Lionel Messi was instrumental in propelling Inter Miami into the MLS playoffs.
On a fantastic night for Inter Miami, the Argentine scored twice and provided an assist; Luis Suárez and Baltasar Rodríguez both scored.
Now that we are formally eligible for the playoffs, we are pleased. For us, that was incredibly crucial. We must now continue on our current course. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano stated, “We’ll try to rest, recover, and get ready for Toronto (in the next game) now that we know we have two games left.”
After riding its luck at the start of the match against New York, Miami took the lead just before halftime through Rodríguez.
However, Messi played a key role in the goal by slipping a fantastic through pass to the midfielder, who finished flawlessly.
Then, in the 74th minute, Miami’s captain, Messi, extended the team’s lead with a move that originated in Barcelona.
With a cutting pass from midfield, Sergio Busquets, who was a colleague of Messi at the Catalan club during their best playing days, put his teammate through for goal. The little magician wheeled off in triumph after dinking the ball over the goalkeeper while the New York defense was in disarray.
Following a penalty kick by Suarez to make it 3-0, Messi added another in the 86th minute. Messi scored another incredible goal, this time sprinting straight at the New York defenders before transferring the ball to his right foot and hitting the goalie.
With the brace, Messi, 38, has now scored five goals in his previous three games, propelling Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference.
With two games remaining, the team is now five points behind the Philadelphia Union, who lead the division. With five games remaining in the regular season, Miami will be vying for the top place.
Messi has scored 24 goals this season, putting him at the top of the MLS scoring standings. Additionally, he has 13 assists, which is tied for third place.
The MLS Cup is scheduled for December 6, and the MLS playoffs begin on October 22.
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