Lionel Messi produced yet another brilliant performance for Inter Miami. He registered another brace, this time against Orlando City in the Major League Soccer (MLS) on Wednesday. He also now has scored in each of his three appearances for Inter Miami, scoring five goals in total.
The two Florida rivals met at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday and all eyes were again on Leo Messi. The Argentine icon headed into the encounter off the back of three goals and one assist in his first two appearances. He previously made a record of scoring a free-kick in his debut for the MLS side.
Messi continues to shine in MLS
The start of the game was delayed by 95 minutes due to a thunderstorm. The 36-year-old added to his tally in the seventh minute, netting his first goal of the game. Robert Taylor supplied him with a wonderful pass, and he took one touch before slamming the ball past Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. He did a wonderful celebration after scoring the first goal, standing with his arms across his chest.
Orlando responded quickly, with Uruguayan midfielder Cesar Araujo scoring from a corner kick to equalize the score. Josef Martinez went down under a challenge from Antonio Carlos. Many expected the World Cup winner to take the resulting penalty but the Argentine gave the honor to Martinez. The Venezuelan made no mistake as he put the Herons back in front.
During a counter-attack in the 72nd minute, Taylor and Martinez set up Messi for another close-range strike. Taking full advantage of the situation, the unmarked Argentine left little space for error and easily outplayed Orlando’s goalkeeper. Orlando believed they got one back late on, as Araujo scored again in the 90+9th minute. He scored from close range, but VAR reviewed the goal and ruled it out because the midfielder was offside.
Jordi Alba made his debut for Inter Miami in their 3-1 win over Orlando. The Spanish left-back sealed a move to the Herons after becoming a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Barcelona. The duo has played together in Barca’s glorious years and has produced some brilliance. The Herons will be hopeful that the magic of Alba and Messi continues.
Here’s how fans reacted
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— Baby Doge 2.0 Burn (@BabyDoge2_Burn) August 3, 2023
Victory is sweet. Congrats Messi.
— Crypto Hawkeye (@CryptoHawkeye1) August 3, 2023
Messi didn't start the first game. 30/40 mins will be counted as 1 Game ?
— D. (@ffsNey) August 3, 2023
Goat straight up demolishing
— Egpac (@Egpac4) August 3, 2023
Ronaldo has do better than this it’s new to you that’s why you keep shouting baby fans
— Itz Richly Gold (@ItzRichly) August 3, 2023
I loved that from him. It’s crazy how much better he’s making the others around him too.
— SportSociety (@SportSocietyUSA) August 3, 2023
You see all the goals he scored today ?
— Drizzy (@kwesiiii7) August 3, 2023
I’m glad you know the real GOAT.
— Toyor (@toyor_pr) August 3, 2023
