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New Delhi: Tadeo Allende and Jordi Alba each netted two goals, while Lionel Messi had three assists as Inter Miami defeated the New England Revolution 4-1 on Sunday, October 5. The victory lifted Miami to third spot in the Eastern Conference, just three points behind FC Cincinnati for second.
Messi's performance marked his 41st goal contribution of the season, which made him only the second player in the history of MLS to reach at least 40 combined goals and assists in a single campaign, as New England suffered their fifth defeat in six matches.
He played a crucial role in Inter Miami's attack without scoring himself, delivering three assists in a game played under challenging wet conditions. His first goal-scoring contribution came in the 32nd minute with a through ball to Allende, who netted the first goal. Messi continued to change the game, setting up both Alba and Allende for crucial goals at key moments.
He then intercepted a New England clearance near halftime to set up Alba for the second goal, who doubled Miami's lead in stoppage time.
New England briefly threatened a comeback in the 59th minute of the game when Dor Turgeman collected a Carles Gil pass, dribbled into the box, and netted past Rocco Rios Novo, who was starting for Miami after Oscar Ustari conceded five goals in the previous match against Chicago Fire. The goal made it 2-1, giving New England a short burst of momentum.
However, Inter Miami responded quickly as Messi drove an instant counterattack from midfield and assisted Allende's second goal, restoring Miami's two-goal advantage. Three minutes later, Telasco Segovia delivered a pass to Alba, who netted his second goal and Miami's fourth.
After the post-match, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi's influence in the game and said he keeps showing his ability and has the desire to go for more.
"He gave us the possibility of opening the score and then securing the result-not only with the pass for Jordi, but when they made it 2-1, and in the next play with an assist that only he can give," Mascherano said.
