Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass on Wednesday night, scoring twice and assisting once as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 victory over New York City FC to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Argentine superstar’s brace lifted him to the top of Major League Soccer’s scoring chart with 24 goals in 23 appearances, two clear of LAFC forward Denis Bouanga.
Luis Suárez, back in action after serving a three-game suspension for spitting at a Seattle staff member during the Leagues Cup final, converted a penalty for Miami, while Baltazar Rodriguez also found the net in the emphatic win.
At a rain-soaked Citi Field, the home of baseball’s New York Mets Miami held a narrow 1-0 lead when Messi struck in trademark fashion in the 74th minute. Released by former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, the 37-year-old surged into the box, skipped past a defender, and deftly chipped the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Suárez extended the advantage from the spot soon after, before Messi capped the night in the 86th minute with a precise angled finish into the bottom corner from the right side of the area.
The victory underlined Miami’s playoff credentials and showcased yet another decisive performance from their captain, who continues to dominate MLS in his first full season.
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