Record: Lionel Messi makes MLS history as Inter Miami thrash New England Revolution 4-1
Lionel Messi became the first star in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to record multiple goal contributions in five straight games as Inter Miami beat New England Revolution 4-1.
Earlier this Saturday (April 27), the Herons extended their lead to three points atop the Eastern Conference table. Tomas Chancalay netted the opener for the hosts in the first minute before the Argentine forward scored two goals for his side on either side of the break.
After Messi's second strike in the 67th minute of the contest, Inter Miami controlled the proceedings at Gillette Stadium. Benjamin Cremaschi netted his team's third of the night before ex-Barcelona and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez scored in the 88th minute of the tie.
After the end of the recent MLS clash, New England Revolution boss Caleb Porter opined on Messi's display. He said (h/t mlssoccer.com):
"I thought in the first half, after the goal, we had them locked up pretty good. They were able to find two goals when we felt pretty good about the defending, and that we were limiting their effectiveness, creating clear chances. Then Messi did what he does, and he found a crack. He finds two goals out of nowhere."
So far, the eight-time Ballon d'Or award winner has scored 22 goals in 24 matches across competitions for Inter Miami. The 36-year-old has also laid out 11 assists in just 1,930 minutes of action for his team.
Bayern Munich man Jamal Musiala reveals admiration for Argentina great Lionel Messi
During a chat with MARCA, Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala was asked if he used to admire the Inter Miami superstar. He replied (h/t X/AlbicelesteTalk):
"Yes. I admired him a lot and he always fascinated me. I grew up watching Leo and Neymar. They were my favorites because they entertained me a lot and brought a lot of joy to the game. I always stopped to watch them: Leo scoring goals or Neymar doing those tricks with the ball. Then, I would go the garden and try to imitate them. I was always a fan of them."
Messi, who lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, played alongside Neymar at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The South American pair helped the Blaugrana lift nine trophies and PSG win three trophies.
The ex-Newell's Old Boys youth star will next feature for Inter Miami in their league match against New York Red Bulls on Saturday (May 4).