Did Messi’s Incredible Performance Lead Inter Miami to Victory Over Nashville?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi scored two goals for Inter Miami.
- Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC 3-1 in the MLS Cup playoff opener.
- Messi was awarded the Golden Boot before the game.
- Tadeo Allende contributed with a header goal.
- The next playoff match is scheduled for November 1 in Nashville.
Miami, Oct 25 (NationPress) Lionel Messi showcased his extraordinary talent once more, netting two goals to lead Inter Miami to a decisive 3-1 win against Nashville SC in their MLS Cup playoff opener on Friday night in Fort Lauderdale.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient received the Golden Boot award prior to the match, recognizing his achievement as the top scorer during the regular season with 29 goals in 28 appearances. Messi wasted no time in reaffirming his status as the star of Major League Soccer.
In the 19th minute, Messi executed a diving header off a cross from Luis Suarez to score the first goal, concluding a beautiful play that began with Sergio Busquets regaining possession and passing to Rodrigo De Paul, who in turn assisted Messi and Suarez in a display of classic teamwork.
Inter extended their lead in the 62nd minute when Tadeo Allende scored with a header from an assist by Ian Fray, giving Miami a strong advantage.
Messi capped off the victory in stoppage time, taking advantage of a loose ball after Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis mishandled a cross from the left. The Argentine maestro effortlessly slotted the ball into the net, making it 3-0 before Hany Mukhtar scored a consolation goal for Nashville in the 11th minute of added time.
This win puts Miami ahead 1-0 in the best-of-three series, with Game 2 scheduled in Nashville on November 1.
The evening was also significant off the field, coming just a day after Messi signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2028.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who presented Messi with the Golden Boot trophy, expressed his admiration for Messi's influence on American soccer. “We could never have anticipated that Leo would impact this club, city, and league the way he has,” Garber stated.
“He has altered the trajectory of Major League Soccer, and with three more years, we can only expect further gifts,” he added.