Lionel Messi scores twice in Inter Miami starting debut

After making a dramatic Inter Miami debut off the bench final week, Lionel Messi confirmed what he can do as a starter on Tuesday.

The Argentinian celebrity netted two targets and arrange two extra as Inter Miami thrashed Atlanta United 4-0 in a Leagues Cup recreation at Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Miami (2-0-0, 6 factors) clinched first place within the South 3 Group and is headed to the spherical of 32 on the in-season event that options each workforce from Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX.

Messi’s last-second, free-kick purpose lifted Miami to a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul (0-1-0, 0 factors) on Friday within the group opener. Atlanta United (0-1-0, 0 factors) will play host to Cruz Azul on Saturday, with the winner advancing to the knockout rounds.

Messi wanted simply eight minutes to place Inter Miami forward on Tuesday. He took an extended go from fellow Miami newcomer Sergio Busquets and dribbled in alone on a breakaway. Messi rolled a left-footed shot off the far put up earlier than calmly tapping within the rebound together with his proper foot.

In the twenty second minute, Messi took a go from Robert Taylor 10 yards in entrance of the online and tapped in one other right-footed purpose.

Messi helped arrange Taylor’s purpose within the forty fourth minute, then received an help within the 53rd minute as Taylor accomplished a two-on-one breakaway together with his second tally of the evening.

The solely draw back for Miami on the evening was Christopher McVey receiving a purple card within the 84th minute for a foul within the penalty space. Inter Miami goalie Drake Callender saved Thiago Almada’s subsequent penalty kick.

–Field Level Media/Reuters