Lionel Messi has set a new Major League Soccer benchmark by becoming the first player to score multiple goals in four matches in a row. This achievement came on Wednesday, July 9, when he scored twice in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution. The star forward’s record-breaking performance underscores his immediate impact in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>MLS since joining Inter Miami.
Messi opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a volley inside the box. He extended the lead just 11 minutes later, shooting from the edge of the penalty area after a precise pass from teammate Sergio Busquets. Although New England pulled one back in the 80th minute, it was not enough to change the outcome of the match. These goals took Messi’s MLS tally to 14 for the year, placing him just behind Sam Surridge, who leads with 16 goals.
Impressive Scoring and Influence Since Joining Inter Miami
Since moving to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2023, the 37-year-old Argentine has been a pivotal figure for the club. Across all competitions, Messi has appeared 64 times and contributed an impressive 52 goals along with 25 assists. His consistent performance continues to raise Inter Miami’s profile and competitiveness within MLS.
After this latest win, Inter Miami sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind league leaders Cincinnati, who have played three additional matches. The team’s next challenge will be a league fixture against Nashville on Sunday, July 13, as they aim to maintain their winning form and climb the standings.
Manager Javier Mascherano Highlights the Importance of Rest for Messi
Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, has stressed the need to manage Messi’s playing time carefully amid a demanding schedule this July. The team faces a series of fixtures, and preserving Messi’s fitness is a priority. Mascherano revealed that the original plan had been to rest Messi during the match against the New England Revolution but changed tactics as the situation unfolded.
“Our initial plan was to give him some rest tonight. But once New England scored, we felt the pressure and decided to keep him on. In the next few matches, we need to find the right moment to let him rest.”
Messi played the full 90 minutes in the game, despite potentially feeling the effects of a busy season that recently included the FIFA Club World Cup. Inter Miami exited that tournament in the round of 16 after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, adding to the reasons for cautious player management.
Looking Ahead to Miami’s Upcoming Matches and Messi’s Continued Impact
Messi’s record-breaking streak and continued high-level influence are vital as Inter Miami pushes towards a stronger position in the MLS Eastern Conference. Managing his workload will be crucial as the club navigates a congested fixture list, with key games approaching. The team and fans alike are optimistic that Messi will maintain his form and help steer Inter Miami closer to the top of the standings in the coming weeks.