Messi scores twice!
Washington, Sep 24 (EFE).-
Inter Miami routed New York City 4-0 on Wednesday with a brace from Lionel Messi, sealing their qualification for the MLS playoffs.
The match against New York City was one of three remaining matches for Inter Miami due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
With their victory on Wednesday, Inter moved into third place in the Eastern Conference with 55 points, five behind the leader, the Philadelphia Union, but still with two matches in hand.
Inter Miami is still aiming to retain the Supporters Shield, the title awarded to the best team in the MLS regular season.
On Saturday, Javier Mascherano’s men will play at Toronto, one of the league’s weakest teams.
New York City, which started without Costa Rican Alonso Martínez in the starting lineup, had the best opportunities of the first half, but missed the chances against Inter Miami’s solid defense led by goalkeeper Óscar Ustari.
Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, Inter Miami took advantage and took the lead thanks to a goal from Baltasar Rodríguez, assisted by his compatriot Lionel Messi.
In the second half, in the 74th minute, it was Messi himself who made it 2-0 on the scoreboard after a magnificent pass from his teammate Sergio Busquets, who beat goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Luis Suárez scored the third goal from a penalty drawn by Rodrigo de Paul.
The Uruguayan returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday after a three-match suspension for spitting at a member of the Seattle Sounders after losing the Leagues Cup final.
With New York City in disarray, Messi scored his brace with a superb cross in the 86th minute.
The brace returns Messi to the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with 24 goals, two more than French forward Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC) and three more than Englishman Sam Surridge (Nashville). EFE at/pd
