Lionel Messi blasts Inter Miami through to the last 16 of the Leagues Cup with a sensational brace, while Josef Martinez adds a third from the spot against Florida rivals Orlando City
- Lionel Messi continued his fine form for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup
- He now has five goals in just three appearances for his new club since his debut
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Leo Messi’s magical start at Inter Miami continued on Wednesday as he scored a brace to help his side beat Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup.
Messi didn’t wait long to give Miami the lead in the round of 32 matchup, when he volleyed in a pass from Robert Taylor from close range in the seventh minute.
The hosts’ lead would be short-lived, however, as Cesar Araujo hit a loose ball 10 minutes later, pacifying the South Florida crowd who once again packed the DRV PNK stadium to see his Argentine superstar.
And while the Argentinian scored another goal later in the match, his most memorable moment of the night was perhaps an assist of sorts.
In the second half, Josef Martinez was brought down in the penalty area while chasing a through ball from Benjamin Cremaschi.
Lionel Messi scored a further two goals as Miami won for a third straight game at home
Messi converted a volley in the seventh minute to give Miami a quick 1-0 lead vs. Orlando
Josef Martinez converted a penalty kick in the second half to score for the first time in the Messi era
And Messi advanced from the penalty spot to his teammate Martinez, allowing the Venezuelan to get on the scoresheet in the 51st minute to restore a 2-1 lead for Miami.
The goal, which came after Martinez stuttered to the penalty spot, was the striker’s first goal since Messi’s arrival in South Beach.
From there, Miami were in control the rest of the way and Messi made another devastating move in the 72nd minute to put the game on ice.
The 36-year-old, who has now scored five goals in his first three games in Miami, scored another volley from close range – this time with his right foot – when Martinez grounded him after another accurate cross from Taylor.
While the speedy start of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner can’t be considered surprising, it’s remarkable how his teammates have improved their game since his arrival.
Cremaschi, aged just 18, put in a composed and intelligent performance in midfield against Orlando, while Taylor continued his blistering form to score his fifth goal in the last three games.
And the World Cup winner got his second of the game when Josef Martinez grounded him
Jordi Alba made his Inter Miami debut in the game, coming on for Noah Allen in the 64th minute
“He just gives confidence to everyone around him,” Messi’s teammate, full-back DeAndre Yedlin, told Apple’s MLS Season Pass after the game.
“You know you can give him balls in difficult situations and he’s going to make something of it.
“And I think on the other hand, the teams we’re playing against, it puts a little bit of fear in their eyes, so they’re a little bit on their heels, they’re falling back a little bit more and it’s giving us a little more leeway.”
Messi alone can be enough to scare off opponents, but he arrived in Miami with help.
Sergio Busquets debuted alongside him against Cruz Azul, while another ex-Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, made his first appearance in Miami vs. Barcelona. Orlando.
Alba came on for Noah Allen in the 64th minute and helped Miami watch out for the final half hour.
With the win, the hosts advanced to the Leagues Cup Round of 16 where they will travel to Texas to face FC Dallas.
To see how the match went, read the live blog here.