Lionel Messi scored twice against Nashville on Saturday night to give him a total of seven goals in six appearances so far this season. He has now scored at least one goal or assist in the nine matches he has played in all competitions this season.
It had to be him.
Messi with his sixth goal in six matches to draw @InterMiamiCF level! pic.twitter.com/DjFaFEQxY1
– Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 20, 2024
The opening minutes of Inter Miami’s game against Nashville SC on Saturday were a microcosm of the Inter Miami experience. Nashville opened the scoring in just the third minute when Alex Muyl scored off a corner kick – the first time Nashville scored on a free kick this season. They nearly added a second goal moments later, but Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender managed to recover after a shot hit the bottom of the crossbar. Messi then equalized in the 11th minute, and almost got a second shortly after, but his shot hit the post.
It was a quick payoff for Messi fans who traveled from Australia to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, just to see him.
Australia ➡️ South Florida.
Shout out to see the goat, Messi. 🐐
Watch @InterMiamiCF take charge @NashvilleSC at 7:30 p.m. ET with #MLSSaisonPass: pic.twitter.com/Bm2LxkaRLD
– Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 20, 2024
In the 39th minute, Sergio Busquets headed Messi’s corner for his first Inter Miami goal, giving the home side a 2-1 lead before halftime.
Delivered by Messi, finished by Busquets. 🎯@InterMiamiCF take the advantage from the corner. pic.twitter.com/COWR15b6xk
– Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 21, 2024
Messi then sealed Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory by converting a penalty in the 81st minute.
Messi now has seven goals and six assists in MLS so far this season. He leads the league in goal contributions, although a hamstring injury has only allowed him to play six of Miami’s 10 league matches so far. He is also the first player in league history to score multiple goals in five of his first six games to start a season.
(Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)