Inter Miami broke their two-match winless streak with an impressive 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. Led by Lionel Messi, who provided three assists, Miami moved up to third place in the Eastern Conference, just three points shy of second-place FC Cincinnati as the season winds down.
This match marked Messi’s 41st goal contribution of the season, making him only the second player in MLS history to achieve at least 40 combined goals and assists in a single season. Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende each netted two goals, while New England faced their fifth loss in six outings.
Despite not scoring himself, Messi was pivotal in Miami’s attack. His first assist came in the 32nd minute when he played a precise pass to Allende, who beat New England’s goalkeeper, Matt Turner, to score. Messi continued to impact the game, assisting Alba shortly before halftime to double Miami’s lead.
The first half clearly belonged to Miami. Messi’s accurate pass set up Allende for the opener, and he intercepted a clearance to assist Alba, showcasing impressive teamwork and finishing.
New England briefly threatened a comeback in the 59th minute with a goal from Dor Turgeman, cutting the score to 2-1. However, Miami responded quickly. Within a minute, Messi led a counterattack that allowed Allende to score again, extending the lead to 3-1. Just three minutes later, Alba scored his second goal, sealing the match for Miami.
After the game, head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s effectiveness, saying, “He gives us the chance to take the lead and ensure the win. His assists show his incredible ability and desire to achieve more.” Messi’s performance not only boosted Miami’s attack but also set a new standard for creativity in MLS as he joined Carlos Vela in reaching 40 or more goal contributions in a single season.
