Lionel Messi Breaks Two MLS Records in Win Over the Red Bulls
To the surprise of no one, Lionel Messi has dominated in his first full season at Inter Miami. That was fully displayed on Saturday as Inter Miami won 6-2 over the Red Bulls. Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Inter Miami exploded in the second half, scoring six goals en route to the dominant win. Luis Suárez had a hat trick, but Messi took the headlines, setting two MLS records that may never be broken again.
Messi had five assists, an MLS record for most goal contributions as well as most assists in a single match. The Argentine has a league-high nine assists and is tied with Uruguayan teammate Suarez for 10 goals, the most in the league. Messi played in eight of the team’s 12 games this season and will surely continue to significantly increase his number of goal contributions. “It's easier with Leo. Obviously, we know each other, and sometimes you'll notice we know where the other is and do movements without having to look at one another. It's good for the team," Suárez said on playing together with Messi.
After the win, Inter Miami remains top of the Eastern Conference with 24 points, three points ahead of FC Cincinnati. Cincinnati does have a game in hand, but trails by 10 on goal difference, meaning that another three points would not be enough to overcome Miami up top. Miami is the favorite to win the MLS Cup, of course, but Cincinnati is a strong team that has one of the best defenses in the league with goalkeeper Roman Celentano. Celentano has a league-high 87.5% save percentage, averages less than one goal conceded per game, and has kept four clean sheets.
When the Copa America competition starts in late June, Messi will likely be called up to play for the Argentina national team and Suárez will be called up to play for the Uruguayan national team. This means that Miami will need to figure out a way to win its MLS games without its two best players. If Miami starts to lose games and struggle, Cincinnati could take the top spot of the Eastern Conference. One thing is for sure, though, if Messi is playing, he will always put up impressive numbers offensively and dominate.
