Messi Nets a Brace as Inter Miami Trashes Atlanta United, 4-0

Lionel Messi scored a brace in Inter Miami’s win over Atlanta United at the Leagues Cup. The final result was 4-0 for the franchise from Miami, who successfully finished the group stage, taking first place in the competition of Atlanta and Cruz Azul. Apart from two goals, Messi had one assist.

The overcrowded DRV PNK Stadium once again had a chance to see Messi’s magic, with the Argentinian and his teammate from Barcelona, Sergio Busquets, dominating the field from the first minute. Head coach Gerardo Martino sent them both to the field from the kick-off, which helped Inter impose his own tempo right from the start.

After eight minutes, it was already 1-0 for Inter. Busquets sent a laser-precise pass to Messi, who would score on the second attempt. In the 22nd minute, Robert Taylor and Messi worked well in one counter-attack to double the lead, while Taylor added one more goal before halftime for a complete destruction of the Atlanta United team in Miami.

“So many years playing together so it’s very easy to play with him”, Busquets said about playing beside Messi. “I’m so happy to be by his side.”

Taylor had one more goal until the end, only this time, Messi assisted him.

Atlanta United was the 100th club rival to whom Messi scored a goal, which is a rarity in today’s soccer. Before he arrived at Inter, the team had one win in 10 appearances, but they are perfect with Messi. Also, the way he opened the stint in Florida indicated that he might surpass his Argentinian teammate, Gonzalo Higuain, with goals scored. Higuain had 29 hits in 70 appearances, while Messi already has three in two. If he continues to play like this we just might see him in the battle for the MLS Golden Boot when the second start of the campaign starts.

Messi left the game in the 78th minute, looking good and capable of finishing it without any problems. Busquets was substituted six minutes earlier.

Atlanta missed a penalty in the remaining minutes, failing to score in this contest.

This contest was interesting because head coach Martino used to lead Atlanta, and win the MLS Cup with the Five Stripes. He and Josef Martinez were the critical pieces in the 2018 title run for the franchise from Georgia. Though, today, he had no mercy for his former club.

In other events, Houston Dynamo defeated Santos Laguna after the penalties. The result in the regular 90 minutes was 2-2, but Dynamo used all its five shots, while Santos Laguna scored four, thus losing this event.

Messi to David Beckham after scoring 😂 pic.twitter.com/3V0S5temHm

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 26, 2023

FC Dallas was more than confident against Necaxa, whom they defeated 3-0. The game was solved early when Montes received a red card in the 11th minute. After that, it was a one-way street, with Dallas controlling the pace and easily solving the rivals’ defense. Lletget netted in the 24th minute to lift his unit, Ansah doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, and Jesus Ferreria sealed the victory in the 73rd.

In the final game of the day, Mazatlan and Juarez played 1-1 during the regulations, but the hosts won 4-2 after the penalties.

Seven games are scheduled for tomorrow. San Luis meets New England Revolution, CF Monterrey squares off with DC United, and New York City clashes with Toronto. Philadelphia Union plays with Queretaro, Monterrey is up against Real Salt Lake, and in Wednesday’s final meeting, Los Angeles Galaxy plays against Club Leon.