Featured Image Credit: Apple TV
Topics: Lionel Messi, MLS, Inter Miami
Ryan Smart
Lionel Messi kept up the intensity well into injury time for Inter Miami in their latest Leagues Cup match against Orlando City.
The 36-year-old officially signed for the MLS franchise, and has promptly netted five goals in his first three games. You wouldn't expect anything else, would you?
His latest two goals came in Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Orlando, with his opener arriving inside seven minutes.
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The Argentinian made one of his trademark late runs into the box to connect with Robert Taylor's cross, chesting the ball down before volleying it into the corner.
His second strike, to make it 3-1, came in similar style, as he once again chested the ball - this time at the near post - before firing it in.
But was notable was Messi's pressing throughout the game - and it even continued into injury time, when Inter Miami were two goals ahead.
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Messi 'presses like a madman' in 92nd minute
With Orlando preparing to take a short goal kick in the 92nd minute, Messi was alert to an opportunity to win the ball back.
The 36-year-old was spotted on camera charging towards the central defender to block off one passing lane and limit Orlando's opportunities to move the ball forward.
Messi's movement prevented the defender playing a pass directly forward to his team-mate, and he passed across to his fellow centre-back instead.
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You can see the clip below.
The footage shows just how committed Messi is to helping his new team succeed - particularly as they are in dire straits in this season's MLS.
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Inter Miami have the worst record of any of the 26 teams across the whole division, sitting bottom of the Eastern Conference table.
The franchise sacked former Manchester United and Everton defender Phil Neville during the mid-season break, replacing him with Messi's former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino.
The Argentinian, who managed fellow MLS franchise Atlanta United between 2016 and 2018 and was named Coach of the Year in his final season, will hope to bring success to his new team following a stint with the Mexico national team.
With Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba now on board, he's certainly got a good chance.