Lionel Messi delivered another brilliant performance as Inter Miami CF secured an impressive 4-2 away victory over Toronto FC in their Major League Soccer clash on Saturday.
The Argentine superstar scored one goal and registered two assists to guide Inter Miami to an important win that strengthened their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
Inter Miami opened the scoring after Rodrigo De Paul saw his free-kick rebound off the Toronto wall. The midfielder reacted quickly and smashed the rebound into the net to give the visitors an early advantage.
The visitors doubled their lead when Luis Suarez latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Messi and fired a first-time effort beyond Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran.
Messi continued to dominate the game in the second half. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner combined brilliantly with Sergio Reguilon in a quick one-two move before Reguilon calmly slotted the ball into the far corner in the 73rd minute.
Just two minutes later, Messi got his name on the scoresheet. De Paul delivered a dangerous cross from the right side and the Argentine captain stabbed home from close range to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory lifted Inter Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference with 22 points, while Toronto remained eight points behind after another disappointing result.
Messi’s outstanding display once again highlighted his importance for Inter Miami as the club continues its push for a strong finish in the MLS season.