Lionel Messi became the fastest player to reach 70 goal contributions in MLS history thanks to an assist and two goals against D.C. United on Sunday.
The former Barcelona captain had a hand in all three goals by scoring a brace, and assisting the other goal to lead Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory at the Fort Lauderdale’s Stadium.
He provided an inch-perfect pass for Tadeo Allende to open the scoring for Inter Miami before Christian Benteke restored parity for D.C United.
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Messi scored his first goal with a dinking finish in the 66th minute before producing a stunning effort in the 85th minute to complete his brace.
He passed up the opportunity to score a hat-trick when he allowed Mateo Silvetti to step forward for the penalty kick, which he missed.
Jacob Murrell scored a last-minute consolation goal for DC United to make it 3-2 but Inter Miami held on to seal the maximum points.
Messi has now moved to the top of the highest goal scorers’ list in the MLS with 22, he has also recorded 12 assists.
Inter Miami coach, Javier Mascherano, hailed the team’s performance while also singling out Lionel Messi for special praises following his match-winning performance.
He said: “Well, it’s a very important victory because in the end this week we won the six points that we had to win here at home, we have climbed positions in the standings.
“We still have some games pending and if we get good results it will be even more of a chance to climb positions and finish at the top of the standings, which well we all know that that is the first objective, practically to be one victory away from being in the playoffs and then try to get as high as possible because of the advantage that being able to define at home gives you.
“As for Leo, another normal night from him, which is totally abnormal for any football player.
“His ability to become a force to play, to find situations where he could carry the team on his shoulders when we needed it most, when we were perhaps having difficulties, and well, it’s a bit like what we’ve been saying, in the end, it’s the advantage of having him, and well, today we were able to take advantage of it.”
Messi is now the fastest player to reach 70 goal contributions in MLS history thanks to an assist and two goals at Chase Stadium.
The 38-year-old latest match-winning performance moved him to 71 goal contributions in total during his MLS spell.
Messi’s 71 goals and assists came in just 46 matches, that’s nine ahead of ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela who held the record previously.
The victory propelled Inter Miami to fifth on the log with 52 points, while recording 15 wins, seven draws, and six defeats.
Up next for Inter Miami is a clash against New York City on September 25.If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original To Read Full Article
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
