Lionel Messi netted two goals and provided an assist, reaching 37 goal contributions this season, as Inter Miami sealed a playoff spot with a 4-0 triumph over New York City FC on Wednesday night.
Inter Miami (16-6-7) claimed its third consecutive victory, extending its league-leading goal tally to 64 this season. Five of Miami’s last six MLS games have seen at least three goals, including a recent 3-2 win over D.C. United.
Messi, after setting up the first goal in the opening half, became the first player in MLS history to register at least 35 goal contributions in back-to-back seasons. His two second-half goals also made him the fourth player in league history to record eight multi-goal games in a single campaign.
He opened the scoring in the 74th minute by chipping the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese, who had rushed out during a breakaway. Luis Suárez, returning from suspension, converted a penalty in the 83rd minute, and Messi added another goal three minutes later.
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Goalkeeper Óscar Ustari earned his sixth clean sheet of the season.
New York City FC (16-10-5) saw its three-game winning streak come to an end. The visitors had two notable chances in the first half, with Thiago Martins’ header from a corner saved by Ustari, and Nicolás Fernández’s close-range effort going just wide after deceiving the goalkeeper.
Source: Agency