Featured Image Credit: Getty/MLS/AppleTV
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS, Football
Marcus Chan
Lionel Messi reminded everyone that he’s still got it after a stunning display for Inter Miami against New York Red Bulls.
On Saturday night, Inter Miami continued their fine start to the new Major League Soccer season as they thrashed NY Red Bulls at the Chase Stadium.
A hat-trick from Luis Suarez, a brace by Matias Rojas and a Messi goal sealed a 6-2 victory for Gerardo Martino’s side.
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Messi produced a vintage display as he had a hand in all six goals.
Doing so, the Argentine legend broke not one, but two MLS records.
Messi broke the record for the most assists in one match after registering five against the NY Red Bulls. He also set a new benchmark for the most goal contributions in a game as he recorded six.
To make his achievement even greater, both records were broken during the second half of the match.
Speaking after the match, Inter Miami boss Martino said: “Messi had exceptional games in Barcelona, during my time with him. But I also remember a semifinal with Paraguay in the Copa America in Chile, where he didn't score a goal and he was still the best player on the field. In Barcelona, he had a game against Valencia where we were losing 2-0 and then won 3-2 with three goals from him.
“And there was another against Sevilla where we were losing 1-0 and then he scored three goals and we won 4-1. I always say this, and it's redundant at this point, but he always does something new. To have involvement in all six goals of a team's 6-2 is something that will be difficult to see again.”
He added: “He's not the key component just because of this game. He always is. Today, the association between Messi and Luis in the second half worked well, like old times.
“When they find each other, the team is able to back them up in the game, and when we find space, they are very influential in the game.”
As a result of their win, Inter Miami stay top of the MLS table with 24 points, three ahead of FC Cincinnati who have a game in hand.