Lionel Messi’s extraordinary skills have reached such a level that even the official MLS account is sharing compilations of his remarkable moments.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or recipient has sustained his remarkable performance since arriving at Inter Miami, notching his ninth goal in six matches as the team overcame Philadelphia Union to advance to the Leagues Cup final.
The scoring began with Josef Martinez finding the net in the third minute, followed by Messi’s contribution as he extended his scoring streak to six consecutive games with a goal in the 20th minute.
As defenders hesitated to challenge him, the revered Argentine icon seized control of the ball at a distance of approximately 30 yards from the goal and executed a nearly effortless shot that sailed past Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Jordi Alba, a longstanding teammate from their Barcelona days, extended the lead to 3-0 just before the first-half whistle, while David Ruiz found the net in the 84th minute after Alejandro Bedoya had scored a consolation goal for the home team.
Once again, the 36-year-old’s highlights are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Despite grappling with an ankle injury sustained during training, Messi exhibited absolute command over the game, orchestrating every aspect of play through his involvement.
He dropped deep, linked the play superbly and regularly toyed with the defenders who dared to take the ball off him after dragging them out of position.
Messi, who looks to be enjoying his football at club level again, played the full 90 minutes and won the Man of the Match award for the fifth time since joining Inter.
“Our goal was to qualify for international competition next season and we’ve done that,” said Miami boss Gerardo Martino.
“Now we have to prepare to win this tournament, which has us feeling very motivated and confident.”
Again and again and again.
Six games. Six wins. Nine goals.
Relive Leo Messi’s latest star showing in @LeaguesCup action. ✨ pic.twitter.com/LkpE4iSHbE
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 16, 2023
“The league’s account posted a video recap of his wondrous display, complete with the caption: “Again and again and again. Six games. Six wins. Nine goals. Relive Leo Messi’s latest star showing in @LeaguesCup action.”
Messi is now the club’s joint-top scorer for the season and hasn’t even featured in the MLS yet.
Gerard Martino’s side play the first final in their history against Nashville at Geodis Park on Sunday, with captain Messi handed a glorious chance to add to his incredible trophy haul in what will be his 42nd final.
Inter have already secured a place in next season’s Concacaf Champions Cup regional tournament irrespective of the result.
“Our goal was to qualify for international competition next season and we’ve done that,” manager Martino said.
“Now we have to prepare to win this tournament, which has us feeling very motivated and confident.”