JuicyTalk
It was another landmark night for Lionel Messi, even though his Inter Miami side missed out on the chance to win a second successive MLS Supporters’ Shield.
Messi had three assists as Miami beat the New England Revolution 4-1 at Chase Stadium, Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende both scoring twice.
But the Philadelphia Union’s 1-0 win over New York City FC meant they secured the trophy for the best regular-season record.
Miami will go into the post-season in confident mood, though, with Messi continuing to shine.
His hat-trick of assists means he is just the second player in a single MLS season to register 40 goal contributions.The Argentina superstar has scored 24 goals and added 17 assists so far. He has two more regular season games to catch the record set by Carlos Vela (49, 34 goals and 15 assists) for Los Angeles FC in 2019.
Messi lauded by Mascherano
“He gave us the possibility of opening the score and then securing [the result],” said Miami boss Javier Mascherano of Messi. “Not only with the pass for Jordi, but when they [New England] made it 2-1, and in the next play with an assist that only he can give.
“He keeps showing the ability he has and, more than anything, the ambition and desire to go for more.”
Dor Turgeman marked his first start for the Revolution with his side’s goal, reducing the arrears to 2-1 before Messi regained centre stage.
