Janice R. Andrews
Lionel Messi continues to shine in Major League Soccer, leading Inter Miami to a victory over the New England Revolution. The 36-year-old Argentine maestro once again demonstrated his genius, scoring twice in a 4-1 victory at Gillette Stadium in front of a record crowd.
Inter Miami now leads the MLS Eastern Conference, thanks in large part to Messi’s outstanding performances. Messi is now the league’s leading scorer, with nine goals and seven assists.
Messi broke two MLS records during the game. His 16 goal contributions in the first seven games of the season are the most by any player, and he is also the first to contribute in five consecutive games.
Despite the Revolution’s early lead from Tomás Chancalay, Messi’s clinical strikes in the 32nd and 68th minutes swung the game in Miami’s favor. Benjamin Cremaschi and Luis Suárez extended the lead, with Messi assisting on Suárez’s late goal.
Miami’s head coach, Gerardo Martino, hailed the atmosphere produced by the record-breaking crowd, citing both Messi’s charisma and the team’s will to win.
Messi’s presence has not only garnered large audiences wherever he plays, but it has also transformed Miami’s fortunes on the field. Inter Miami, which won their first trophy in August, now leads the Eastern Conference, with Messi’s effect obvious in every game.
