In Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami was battling through a slump just a week prior until Lionel Messi took the stage and lifted the team out of their rut. On Saturday night, Messi’s brilliance shone again as he netted his fifth goal in three MLS matches, steering Inter Miami to a dominant 5-1 victory over the Columbus Crew, marking their second consecutive win.
Messi was at the heart of every Miami goal. He scored twice, once in the 15th and again in the 24th minute, bringing his season total to 10 goals. This accomplishment makes him his team’s top scorer and ties him for the third spot in the league. Besides hitting the net himself, Messi assisted in Tadeo Allende’s opening goal at the 13th minute and was instrumental in goals by Fafà Picault in the 89th and Luis Suarez in the 64th.
This marks the second consecutive match where the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has logged multiple goals alongside assists, leading the league with 16 goal contributions. Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, emphasized Messi’s unparalleled talent, stating through an interpreter, “He is the best player that has ever played this game. And we have to understand that when he is not brilliant, that’s because one of us is failing.”
The Herons came out strong against a solid Crew defense that ranked eighth in MLS for least goals conceded, having only allowed 19 prior. Miami managed seven shots with four on goal within 25 minutes. Messi’s creativity was first displayed with a precise long ball to Allende, who converted it successfully. Following up on a goalkeeper’s error, Messi struck again, lofting the ball past despite the keeper’s attempt.
Sergio Busquets played his part by setting up Messi’s second strike with a trademark long pass. This partnership, reminiscent of their Barcelona days, has become a critical element for Miami’s recent wins. This victory was essential for Miami, which came into Saturday having only secured two wins in their last eight encounters. Miami had triumphed over Montreal 4-2 earlier in the week, and their success against Columbus boosted them to a third-place tie in the Eastern Conference standings with 29 points.
Mascherano reflected on the match by saying, “Winning this way gives us confidence. It shows that we’re brave and calm and can play against anybody, especially in the MLS.” Next, Miami is set to compete against Al Ahly of Egypt in the upcoming Club World Cup, right after Messi joins Argentina for World Cup qualifiers.
This season’s second face-off between Columbus and Miami was a highlight, especially after Inter Miami’s past achievements. Earlier in the season, they set a record attendance in a 1-0 victory against Columbus, showcasing both teams’ unbeaten status at the time. Dylan Chambost’s corner led to a Columbus goal as Cesar Ruvalcaba headed it past Rocco Ríos Novo, who took up goalkeeping duties in the second half due to an ailment for Oscar Ustari.
Suarez reaffirmed Miami’s lead with another goal, while Messi’s last-minute assist for Picault sealed one of Miami’s most convincing performances of the season. Absent from the field was veteran Jordi Alba, recovering from an injury sustained in the match against Montreal earlier that week.