Lionel Messi shined again for Inter Miami. He scored twice and set up another in a 4-0 win against New York City FC. The victory confirmed Miami’s place in the playoffs.
Miami now has three wins in a row. The team also leads the league with 64 goals this season. In five of their last six matches, Miami has scored at least three goals. That run includes a 3-2 win over DC United.
Messi’s first-half assist made history. He became the first MLS player to record 35 or more goal contributions in back-to-back seasons. His two goals in the second half added another milestone. He is now only the fourth player in league history with eight multi-goal games in one season.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute. Messi chipped the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese to double the lead. Luis Suarez, back from suspension, scored from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute. Three minutes later, Messi struck again. Goalkeeper Óscar Ustari kept a clean sheet, his sixth this year.
New York City’s three-game winning streak came to an end. The visitors had chances in the first half. Thiago Martins’ header went straight to Ustari. Nicolás Fernández also went close, his shot missing just wide after wrong-footing the keeper.
