AmericaSuperstar Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted a goal, helping top team Inter Miami defeat host New England 4-1 in round 14 of MLS 2024.
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A week ago, Messi also scored a double and assisted a goal to help Inter Miami win back-to-back in MLS, to maintain the top position. In the morning match of April 28, Hanoi time, the 37-year-old superstar did the same thing, with more beautiful goals.
Teammates hug Messi after he scored twice to help Inter Miami win 4-1 against New England at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough town, Norfolk district, Massachusetts, USA, on the evening of April 27, 2024. Image: IMCF
In the 32nd minute, receiving a pass from Robert Taylor to the right of the penalty area, Messi blocked two touches with his left foot, causing the ball to stick to his foot, then shot to the near corner to equalize 1-1. In the 68th minute, Sergio Busquets poked the ball right at Messi’s level and rushed down to the left of the penalty area, allowing the Miami captain to shoot diagonally to help the away team lead 2-1.
The double against New England helped Messi increase his record this season to nine goals, leading the top scorer race. He almost scored a hat-trick with a shot from about 6 meters away, but goalkeeper Henrich Ravas flew to push the ball out, right at Benjamin Cremaschi’s level and kicked it to the near corner, increasing the score to 3-1.
Miami’s winning goal also had the Argentine captain’s shoe prints, when he dribbled the ball to the right and then passed into the penalty area for Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan striker took a step and then curled his ball into the high corner close to the post, not giving the goalkeeper a chance to block. Immediately after the ball entered the net, Suarez hugged his close friend Messi tightly.
Messi also helped New England set a stadium attendance record. Image: IMCF
The owner of eight Golden Balls waved to the audience in the 86th minute, when the match was stopped because a player received medical attention. Up to 65,612 spectators came to Gillette Stadium to watch this match, setting a record in the history of the New England club. This is also the second busiest match at Gillette Stadium, after Brazil’s 3-1 friendly win over Mexico with 67,584 spectators in 2007. The number of spectators coming to see Messi in New England is also larger than any Patriots match in the football season. American football NFL 2023.
Hoang An
