As the first player in MLS history to provide FIVE assists in a single game, Lionel Messi has created history.
The incredible achievement coincided with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez scoring Inter Miami’s first hat-trick in their crushing of the New York Red Bulls. The 36-year-old World Cup winner Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a 6-2 triumph on Saturday night at Florida’s Chase Stadium. For David Beckham’s team, the victory is delicious retaliation after they were destroyed 4-0 in New Jersey by the Red Bulls back in March.
Dante Vanzeir put the visitors ahead 30 minutes into the game, setting the stage for a potential repeat of their previous meeting. However, a halftime pep talk from Inter Miami manager Tata Martino sparked a turnaround.
Just three minutes into the second half, Matias Rojas equalized with an assist from Messi, who then scored to give Miami the lead. The momentum continued with Rojas netting another, courtesy of Messi, before Suarez completed his hat-trick, all assisted by Messi, setting a MLS record.
Although Emil Forsberg converted a penalty for the Red Bulls in the 97th minute, Messi, Suarez, and Rojas’ influence remained undeniable. This win secures Miami’s top spot in the league, three points ahead of FC Cincinnati.
Despite a slow start due to injuries, Lionel Messi has amassed 10 goals and 12 assists in just eight MLS matches this season, reaffirming his top form. Coach Martino was in awe of Messi’s performance, saying, “It’s redundant to talk about him because he continually manages to surprise us.”
Reflecting on the game, Martino praised the team’s effort, singling out Messi’s leadership with five assists and one goal in the league.
He highlighted Matias’s two goals and Luis’s hat-trick, especially praising Matias’s first goal. When asked about his favorite moment, Martino chose Suarez’s scissors kick and Messi’s pass, emphasizing their technical brilliance.
