Inter Miami have defeated New York Red Bulls 6-2, and Lionel Messi scored one and assisted five in an historical night in Florida.
Messi’s Miami have the most points in the MLS, and they look like the best team by far; not exactly a shock when you look at their team on paper. Like some of the top Saudi sides, Miami look like they are building a team to be competitive at continental championships. Whilst at this rate domestic success will be guaranteed.
Every single Miami goal on the night came from South America. Messi got one, Matías Rojas of Paraguay got two, and Luis Suárez of Uruguay bagged a hat-trick.
Messi mainly acted as provider on a humid evening in the sunshine state, where the flamingoes of Inter were truly peacocking. Their start-studded squad look capable of rolling over any other side in this league.
All six strikes from Miami came between the 48th and 81st minute after they had been 1-0 down at the half. Some of the play looked like men against boys. Take Luis Suárez’s second strike for example; the forward latched onto the ball and then breezed past the centre back like he didn’t exist, when he really ought to have been challenged. As the game went on the goals became easier to find.
Matías Rojas is a new recruit and part of the fabulous Lionel Messi support act, but he has tonnes of talent himself and is already showing he is a cut obove most of his other teammates. Rojas’ left boot already has a reputation in South America; with the likes of Racing Club in Argentina Rojas would often score stunning strikes from that side.
Last night that happened again, he scored a fantastic long-range effort, and another clever scoop over the keeper that he collected from a trademark Lionel Messi assist. A through ball executed expertly that many others wouldn’t even think to attempt. Rojas recently arrived from Corinthians of Brazil, he had a short stint there after a successful period in Argentina. For a talent like him the MLS will, with respect, be a piece of cake. Technically speaking, he is a sensational talent.
Messi’s own strike came courtesy of his teammate and best friend Suarez sliding him into the box to finish with relative ease. These guys are playing with a freedom that they deserve. Both now veterans at the end of hugely successful careers, they have also been seen out and about in Miami enjoying downtime with their families. Something that wasn’t so easy to achieve in Europe alongside their superstar status.
With that being said, the Copa America is now just over a month away and some of this Inter Miami squad will be there representing their respective nations. Lionel Messi is still the captain of Argentina and his country are favourites to lift the title in the U.S this summer. Miami and the MLS can wait for a while, as Messi chases more international glory with the World Cup champions.