Foxborough, Massachusetts: Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami CF rallied from an early deficit to secure a commanding 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution in a Major League Soccer fixture on Saturday. The match, played before a record 65,612 spectators at Gillette Stadium saw the visitors overcome a slow start to emphatically extend their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings.
The home side took a surprise lead within the first minute, with Tomás Chancalay capitalizing on a defensive lapse to put New England ahead. However Inter Miami gradually found its rhythm and the equaliser inevitably came through its captain. In the 32nd minute a precise through ball from Robert Taylor found Messi, who calmly slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
The Argentine maestro put his side ahead in the 67th minute, receiving a pass from his long-time associate Sergio Busquets and finishing clinically. The goal deflated the hosts, and Miami pressed its advantage.
In the 83rd minute, Messi turned provider, setting up substitute Benjamin Cremaschi for a simple finish to make it 3-1. Luis Suárez then added a fourth goal in the 88th minute, capping a dominant second-half performance that solidified Inter Miami’s position as a formidable force in the league.
