Lionel Messi pulled the strings with a hat-trick of assists as Inter Miami swept aside the New England Revolution 4-1 in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night. Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende each scored twice to secure a comfortable win for Gerardo Martino’s side.
The victory snapped a two-match winless run and lifted Miami into third place in the Eastern Conference with 59 points. With two games to play, they remain three points behind FC Cincinnati in the race for second, though Cincinnati have only one fixture left.
Dor Turgeman struck for New England, who have now lost five of their past six matches and sit on 35 points.
Messi’s influence was evident throughout. He first unlocked the defence in the 32nd minute with a precise through ball for Allende to beat Matt Turner. Just before half-time, the Argentine intercepted a clearance near the Revolution box and set up Alba, who rifled the ball home.
Although Turgeman briefly gave New England hope with a superb 59th-minute strike, Miami hit back almost instantly. Messi surged forward to release Allende for his second of the night, and three minutes later Alba sealed the win from Telasco Segovia’s pass.
Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, starting in place of Óscar Ustari after the latter conceded five in midweek against Chicago Fire, produced a steady performance to help Miami back on track.
With Messi creating at will and momentum restored, Miami enter the final two matches of the regular season eyeing second place in the East.
