Caleb Porter, the manager of the New England Revolution, was astounded by Lionel Messi’s performance for Inter Miami at Gillette Stadium last night.
Messi, an Argentine international, was at his best once again as Inter Miami won 4-1 and increased their lead in the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings. Messi scored a brace and assisted another two goals.
It was an incredible night for the 36-year-old and Inter Miami, who once again made it apparent to MLS that they are here to make history during the regular season, as Messi broke yet another record in the process.
And Messi’s performance against Inter Miami that evening astounded Porter.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 27: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts in the game against the New England Revolution during the first half at Gillette Stadium on April 27, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Messi’s ability to score goals “out of nowhere” against New England is praised by Porter.
In an interview with the Miami Herald, Porter heaped praise on Messi for his capacity to score goals that appear to come out of nowhere. On Saturday, the 36-year-old accomplished just that against New England.
This season, Messi’s ability to get space and hurt opposing teams has been a hot topic. In a recent game against Sporting Kansas City, the Argentine star flourished because opponents were having the same issue.
Messi is finding it far too easy to work magic and spur the Herons to victory, so even when teams line up to mark him, MLS defenders have no chance of stopping him.
Porter remarked, “We felt pretty good about our defending; we were limiting their ability to create clear chances, but Messi exposes you with two goals out of the blue.”
MONTERREY, MEXICO – APRIL 10: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami looks on during CONCACAF Champions Cup 2024 Quarterfinals second leg between Monterrey and Inter Miami CF at BBVA Stadium on April 10, 2024 in Monterrey, Mexico.(Photo by Alfredo Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
MLS defenders still don’t know how to stop Messi and Inter Miami.
After a frustrating start to the season in which the forward struggled with injuries, Messi is now healthy and back to his best, making the Herons the clear favorite in Major League Soccer this season.
Additionally, this season has demonstrated that when Messi is on the field, opposing players and teams still do not know how to stop Inter Miami, the attacker who is making a joke out of the league with his weekly performances.
If defenders fail to learn how to stop Messi, Inter Miami could actually make Major League Soccer seem easy. By the end of the season, Messi has the potential to set new records for winning the MLS Cup.
