Inter Miami 4 Atlanta 0: Lionel Messi grabs two goals and two assists as new team thrash MLS rivals in Leagues Cup
LIONEL MESSI already feels right at home in Miami.
Fresh from a blockbusting, last gasp winner on his debut against Cruz Azul last Friday, the Argentina superstar was back in the old routine against sorry Atlanta United last night.
With just 22 minutes on the clock, Messi had already bagged a brace in this Leagues Cup clash and DRV PNK stadium was rocking to his unmistakable beat.
The little maestro wasn’t finished there though, helping tee up Robert Taylor for a fantastic third before assisting the Finnish international for his second, and Miami’s fourth.
Of course, there was little doubt Messi would make an impact in south Florida.
But the speed at which the 36-year-old has settled has been quite something.
Remember, this is a Miami side who have the worst record in MLS and haven’t won in the League since May.
They suddenly look transformed thanks to the greatest player of all-time – fancy that – yet what a shame that there were large pockets of empty seats in Fort Lauderdale last night, regular fans being priced out of coming to see the World Cup winner strut his stuff.
Some complained on social media of their normal tickets rocketing from around $15 to $180, while an extra $50 for parking was just another kick in the teeth.
David Beckham’s side will surely need to adjust their prices moving forward but the moneymen know the Messi show in Miami is almost guaranteed to deliver and will be desperate to cash in every single time.
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Those in attendance certainly got their money’s worth after a lively, exciting first 45 minutes.
Hapless Atlanta made the critical mistake of giving the GOAT plenty of space and time to weave his magic – and how they were punished.
The visitors actually started brightly and had a goal disallowed before hitting the post.
But on eight minutes, they were behind.
Spanish star Sergio Busquets, who made his first start following a similarly electric debut last week, set his old Barcelona pal free and although his first shot smacked the post, Messi was on hand to tuck home the rebound.
On 22 minutes it was two, the impressive Taylor’s cross was nicely dummied by Josef Martinez and Messi did the rest.
It was just too easy and on the stroke of half-time, Messi started the move which resulted in Taylor thumping home his first of the night before he latched onto the Argentine’s pass to make it four.
The win means Inter Miami, who were forced to play the closing minutes with 10 men after Christopher McVey was red carded after giving away a penalty which was saved by keeper Drake Callender, move into the next round of the new look Leagues Cup and will have another home game on August 2nd.
Going all the way in this competition will guarantee qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League next season – and on the evidence delivered so far, only a fool would bet against Messi and Miami going all the way.
Messi finally made way on 76 minutes after asking boss Tata Martino, who led Atlanta to MLS glory back in 2018, to give him a breather.
With his night complete, thousands of fans headed for the exit.
They had all come to see a master at work – and went home very happy indeed.