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New Delhi: Lionel Messi's scored twice and assisted another in Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over New York City FC on way to claim an MLS Cup play-off spot.
Messi netted his tournament leading 23rd and 24th goals while also setting up his 13th assist to power the Herons to an impressive away win.
With 16 wins and seven draws for 55 points in 29 matches, Miami extended their goal total of 64 this season while notching up his third consecutive match.
Mami have scored at least three goals in five of their last six MLS matches, most recently a 3–2 victory over DC United.
On hos return from a three-match suspension, Luis Suarez scored his seventh goal late from the penalty spot in his return as Mimai moved above NYCFC (53 points) and Charlotte FC into third in the Eastern Conference.
Messi is now two goals ahead of Los Angele FC's Denis Bouanga and three ahead of Nashville's Sam Surridge for the leading scorers list.
He provided the pass that led to Miami's first goal in the 43rd minute by finishing off an attack that flowed straight up New York's middle.
His first half assist made Messi the first player in MLS to make at least 35 goal contributions in consecutive seasons.
The Argentine then scored his first in the 74th minute when he latched onto Sergio Busquets' through ball and chipped over the keeper.
Two minutes later, Messi finished low after dribbling past his marker to become the fourth player in MLS to record eight multi-goal games in a single season.
