Lionel Messi extended his sensational goal-scoring form in Major League Soccer on Saturday, netting a brace for the fifth consecutive game to secure a 2-1 win for Inter Miami against Nashville.
The Argentine superstar, who had already made history by scoring multiple goals in four straight MLS games, continued his streak with another two-goal performance. His first came in the 17th minute through a signature left-footed free-kick, finding the slimmest gap in Nashville’s wall to beat goalkeeper Joe Willis.
Despite Miami’s dominance in the first half, Nashville leveled shortly after the break with a header from Hany Mukhtar. But Messi responded just 15 minutes later, seizing on a costly error from Willis to score the winner in the 62nd minute.
His goals followed another two-goal outing in a midweek victory over New England, bringing his season total to 16 goals in 16 games, equaling Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who remained scoreless in this match.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s continued brilliance: “There are not many words. It’s incredible what he keeps doing, breaking records now every three days, not even every weekend. He is the standard-bearer of our team that shows us the way to compete. He is the leader.”
With 38 points from 19 games, Miami now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, trailing leaders Philadelphia by five points but with three games in hand.
Philadelphia took the top spot after a 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls, while Cincinnati fell to second following a 4-2 loss to Columbus.
As Inter Miami face a tight schedule, Mascherano acknowledged the need to manage the 38-year-old Messi’s playing time. “At some point, we are going to have to find a space to give him some rest… He is feeling good, and when we think it is time to give him some rest, we will do it.”
What you should know
Messi now has 16 goals in 16 MLS games this season and has scored multiple goals in five consecutive matches, maintaining Inter Miami’s push for the top of the Eastern Conference.
