"Incredible": Messi extends brace record
Lionel Messi (38) continues to perform well in the MLS and extended his own record last night.
Scored twice again: Lionel Messi. IMAGO/Imagn Images
Messi continues to score at will in the MLS. "La Pulga" had already made history on the last matchday, scoring his brace in the 2-1 win against New England, his fourth in a row and thus setting a new MLS record . The streak began at the end of May against Montreal and continued into Sunday night.
Messi and Inter Miami faced Nashville, second in the Eastern Conference. After just 17 minutes, Messi converted a free kick to take the lead – the ball thumped low into the corner of the net. Shortly after the break, former Hertha player Hany Mukthar equalized with a powerful header (49th minute), but just 13 minutes later, Nashville goalkeeper Willis made a terrible mistake. The goalkeeper unintentionally played the ball into Messi's foot, which "La Pulga" didn't miss.
Miami's third victory since the Club World Cup was thus complete, and Messi's run continued. "It's incredible what he's doing here," said Miami coach Javier Mascherano afterward. "Now he's breaking records every three days, not just every weekend. He sets the standard for our team; he's the leader. For me, it's a blessing to be able to witness this phase of his career."
A break from work for Messi?With the next win, Miami is now in fifth place – and has played three games fewer than its rivals. Leaders Philadelphia Union are only five points behind. Inter also has two games to play next week, with the next game being against Cincinnati on Friday night.
An intense schedule, also for Messi. "At some point we have to find time to give him a few breaks," Mascherano said of his 38-year-old exceptional player. "We'll take it day by day." With the ongoing streak behind him, however, Miami's coach certainly won't bench Messi.
