MESSI
he Did it Again
With a brace at home against Nashville SC, the Argentine star led Inter Miami to another MLS victory, this time 2-1, and extended his scoring streak, which is already entering the record books. Saturday night at Chase Stadium witnessed, once again, the inevitable: Messi, when he wants to, can decide games.
The opening goal came early, in the 17th minute, with a brilliant free kick. While everyone was expecting a classic high shot, the Rosario native surprised everyone with a low, low shot that sailed under the wall and left goalkeeper Joe Willis speechless. A brilliant goal, and an immediate standing ovation in Fort Lauderdale.
Nashville, who were riding a 15-match unbeaten streak, responded early in the second half. Andy Najar sent in a perfect cross from the right, and Hany Mukhtar burst through the center backs to equalize with a header. The silence in the stadium was momentary, as the script still had Messi's final act in store.
In the 62nd minute, a childish error by goalkeeper Willis, who misjudged a pass and left the ball loose, was punished with all the class of the Inter Miami captain. Messi took the ball and coolly finished to make it 2-1, his 15th goal of the regular season. A true symbol: you can't give him anything.
With that goal, Messi reached a record five consecutive matches scoring at least two goals in MLS. He also tied Josef Martínez and Sam Surridge for the league's all-time scoring record. At 38, he proves he's still the tournament's most influential player. And in Miami, every game he plays is a spectacle.
Javier Mascherano, in a press conference, praised the team's performance and made it clear that he has complete confidence in the veterans. "As long as the greats are doing well, I'll die for the greats," said the coach, also highlighting the efforts of Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets in a demanding match against a rival who was on the rise.
Inter Miami has gone six straight league matches unbeaten (5 wins, 1 draw) and remains one of the Eastern Conference's strongest teams. They face FC Cincinnati next Wednesday, and if one thing was clear this Saturday, it's that as long as Messi is on the pitch, the pink dream is more alive than ever.
