Lionel Messi Makes MLS History by Matching 8-Year-Old Record With Brace in Inter Miami vs Nashville Clash

Continuing the trend this season, Lionel Messi stepped up for Inter Miami once again. Against 14th-seeded Nashville, the Herons got into a tricky situation as Argentine star Franco Negri conceded an own goal in the 2nd minute. However, Messi was there to bail out his countryman as he scored in the 11th minute to equalize for the Herons. This was the Argentine superstar’s 829th career goal and one that helped him to reach a significant MLS milestone.

With his strike, Lionel Messi is the first MLS star since 2010 to get a goal contribution each in his first 6 starts. The last person to do so was Real Salt Lake star Joao Plata in 2016. Yet, the goal wasn’t Messi’s only goal contribution of the night. A few minutes later, Inter Miami received a corner and their captain stepped up to take it. Messi delivered an inch-perfect ball that was headed by Sergio Busquets into the net. This gave Inter Miami the lead which they extended soon after.

In the 80th minute, the Herons were awarded a penalty. Messi stepped up and calmly slotted his penalty and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. This confirmed the 3 points for Inter Miami.

A big talking point from the match was the absence of Jordi Alba. The Spanish defender was substituted in the dying stages against Colorado Rapids. Alba had a hamstring issue and Tata Martino revealed the veteran won’t be available for the next 2 matches. Speaking of availabilities, there is a huge likelihood that Diego Lopez won’t feature for Inter Miami anytime soon. The Paraguayan star left the pitch in tears after a non-contact injury.

The injury nightmare continues for Lionel Messi & Co

Inter Miami’s bad luck with injuries continued as Diego Gomez left the pitch on a stretcher. The injury happened as Gomez delivered a cross from the wide left. At first glance, it looked like Gomez injured his ankle. The medics arrived but could do little to change the situation. Eventually, Gomez was stretchered away and replaced by Leo Afonso. Considering the Paraguayan’s form, it is a big blow for Inter Miami.

This season, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Diego Gomez have been Inter Miami’s preferred attacking trio. Gomez has impressed when playing alongside the legendary duo and has 3 goals and 3 assists in 12 games this season. Gomez’s energy was a perfect complement to Suarez & Messi and it remains to be seen how Martino adapts in his absence. As it stands, Gomez will be joining a lengthy injury list consisting of Campana (hamstring), Redondo (Knee), Robinson (knee), Fray (ACL), Farias (ACL), and Kryvtsov (Hamstring). Can the Herons continue to win despite missing many key stars? Let us know below.