Lionel Messi has proven once again why he is one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Messi made MLS history on Saturday night by becoming the first player to record five assists and contribute six goals in a game in Inter Miami’s 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Ta.
The match was arguably Messi’s best since winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar in 2022, helping Inter Miami score six goals in just 36 minutes of the second half.
Messi scored in the 50th minute, Inter Miami’s recent signing Matias Rojas scored twice with goals in the 48th and 62nd minutes, and Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick in the 68th, 75th and 81st minutes. achieved and achieved victory.
“Well, I always say the same thing, but it’s redundant to talk about him because he always seems to be doing something new. And if there was something missing, It was this,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino, who coached Messi at Barcelona and Argentina, said of Messi’s performance.
“It will be difficult to see this again to have an impact on the six goals the team scores.”
Rojas helped erase a 1-0 first-half deficit between Messi and Inter Miami, scoring from Messi’s first assist to tie the game at 1 point. Rojas then induced a turnover and Suarez scored Messi’s only goal. of the match.
Messi then recorded five more assists, giving Inter Miami six goals in just 36 minutes of the second half, en route to victory.
Messi led MLS in 2024 with 10 goals and 12 assists in just eight regular season games. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner almost scored in extra time.
Messi also became the third player in MLS history to contribute multiple goals in the first eight games of a season. The others are Cobi Jones (first nine games of 1998) and Clint Dempsey (first eight games of 2015).
Dante Vanzeil scored in the 30th minute to give New York Red Bulls a 1-0 lead, and Emil Forsberg converted a penalty in the 97th minute before the final whistle.
“They all had an incredible impact on the game. But, well, Leo probably did something historic with five assists and one goal in the league. Luis with three goals and Mattias with two. I can’t forget it. Mattias’ first goal was good, both were great,” Martino said when asked about his favorite score of the match.
“I’m going to take Lewis’ scissor kick (in the 68th minute) because of the technical gesture and Leo’s pass. That’s the one for me.”
Inter Miami vs New York Red Bulls match preview
Messi and Inter Miami return to the pitch on Saturday night in MLS Round 12 at home against the New York Red Bulls.
It will be a battle between two of the top three teams in the MLS Eastern Conference, with Inter Miami looking to avenge their 4-0 loss to the Red Bulls on March 23, when Messi was injured.
Healthy again and with tears in his eyes, Messi this week won April’s MLS Player of the Month award. He leads MLS with nine goals and is tied for the league lead with seven assists.
Inter Miami will be aiming for a fourth consecutive win, while the Red Bulls are also disappointed after losing just one of their last 10 games against reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew.
Is Messi playing?
Yes, Messi is expected to start tonight against the New York Red Bulls.
How can I watch Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls live stream?
The game begins at 7:30 PM ET and is available to watch for free through MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
clock: Messi and Inter Miami host New York Red Bulls on Apple TV
ticket: Experience Messi and Inter Miami live during the home match against the New York Red Bulls
shop: Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami team gear from the MLS Store
How well has Messi done for Inter Miami this season?
Messi had an assist and two goals against New England last week, setting an MLS record for contributing at least two goals in five consecutive games.
Messi has contributed 16 goals in the first seven MLS games this season, the most in league history. The previous record was 13 in seven games, set by Thierry Henry (2012) and Carlos Vela (2019).
If Messi scores a goal or assists against the New York Red Bulls, he will become the third player in MLS history to score or assist in the first eight games of a season. The others are Cobi Jones (first nine games of 1998) and Clint Dempsey (first eight games of 2015).
Inter Miami and New York Red Bulls face off in Eastern Conference race
Inter Miami leads the conference with 21 points, while the Red Bulls are in third place with 17 points.
In the MLS Eastern Conference standings, Cincinnati FC is second with 18 points, Toronto is fourth with 16 points, and Columbus is fifth with 15 points.
Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule
Here are the next five games for Messi and Inter Miami:
