Lionel Messi Scores Twice For Inter Miami in Leagues Cup Win (Watch Video)
Lionel Messi’s impressive start with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami continued as he delivered a remarkable performance, scoring twice to lead his team to a 3-1 victory against Orlando City in the Leagues Cup.
In his third game since joining Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine star wasted no time making an impact. He opened the scoring on Wednesday with a brilliant volley, capitalizing on a perfectly executed chip into the box from his teammate Robert Taylor.
Orlando City, however, quickly responded with an equalizer ten minutes later when César Araújo struck from a corner. Undeterred, Inter Miami intensified their efforts to regain the lead in the first half. Messi came agonizingly close to scoring again, hitting the post with a powerful shot, and his free-kick was brilliantly saved by Orlando City’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
The breakthrough for Inter Miami came in the second half, courtesy of a successful penalty kick from Josef Martínez, allowing them to regain the lead. Messi then showcased his impeccable teamwork, combining with Taylor and Martínez to score his second goal of the match with another stunning volley, sealing the victory for the home side.
Although Araújo seemingly scored for Orlando City in stoppage time with a straightforward finish at the back post, the goal was later ruled out for offside, adding to the intensity of the match’s closing moments.
Since his arrival in the United States, Messi has been in scintillating form. With his brace against Orlando City, the 36-year-old superstar has now scored an impressive total of five goals in just three games, including previous strikes against Cruz Azul and Atlanta United.
However, it wasn’t an entirely flawless evening for the Argentine forward, as he received a yellow card in the first half and narrowly escaped a second booking after a challenge on Araújo.
The victory at DRV PNK Stadium propels Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup round of 16, where they will face FC Dallas on Sunday. As Messi continues to dazzle the MLS with his exceptional talent, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances from the football icon.
Watch the goals and match highlights below.
