Lionel Messi put in a performance to remember for Inter Miami versus the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium in front of a capacity crowd (Image: Getty)
The team’s talisman, Lionel Messi, was ready to take matters into his own hands against New England as he looks to lead Inter Miami to its first-ever MLS Cup victory.
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami’s comeback against the New England Revolution, creating history in the process, as he continued his daring start to the new Major League Soccer season.
The Herons had trailed in the opening minute of play, but the talismanic attacker turned back the clock with two memorable poacher’s finishes to take the lead away from home. When Argentine Tomás Chancalay opened the score for the home team with a delicious lob, it seemed as though Miami would have a difficult evening at Gillette Stadium.
That goal came after just 38 seconds of play, forcing Vice City to wait patiently for their chance to tie the score. But worries about the Herons’ bench were dashed in the 32nd minute when Messi finished a move started by Sergio Busquets with a typically skillful finish after Robert Taylor’s through ball.
After the break, the Revolution was unable to handle the classic combination of the two former Barcelona greats, as Miami’s captain scored the first goal to put his team ahead. This time, Messi secured his brace by springing their offside trap after Busquets’ inch-perfect pass opened the door for the New England defense..
Setting an example, the World Cup winner’s valiant efforts to give his team the advantage in the match motivated his teammates to do the same in the second half. After Messi’s initial attempt was parried, homegrown star Benjamin Cremaschi put Miami ahead first, creating a two-goal lead for the visitors.
After that, the outcome was formalities only because Luis Suárez, the substitute, eventually grabbed a pass from the captain and the Uruguayan connected with his former strike partner. After a first-half scare, the Herons cruised to a 4-1 victory that put them atop the Eastern Conference standings after 11 games.
With plans to build on their Leagues Cup victory from the previous season, this most recent victory will have supporters dreaming that Chase Stadium may host the first-ever MLS Cup this year. Their star player, Messi, seems to have retained both his intelligence and his appetite for silverware in this performance as well.
Inter Miami’s captain Lionel Messi rolled back the years to combine expertly with Sergio Busquets versus the New England Revolution
To put his performance against New England into perspective, consider that the 36-year-old striker made MLS history by becoming the first player to have five consecutive games with five or more goals contributed. In addition, he now has nine goals and seven assists in the league after this performance.
Amazingly, at this stage of the season, this places the Argentine hero atop the MLS scoring and assist charts. Miami head coach Tata Martino made the following statement after his team’s thrilling victory: “People in every stadium come to see and support Leo Messi, but after they want their team to win.”
“We are inspired by the energy that each city offers, but we are also aware that it encourages our competitors.” And we work to get ready for it. We’ve handled it well, given the enthusiasm that each team and their supporters have for playing Inter Miami with the players we have. All of this was learned last year.”
