New Delhi: Lionel Messi showed just how influential he is when he netted two winning goals in the League Cup win over Atlanta United on Wednesday morning at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida.
Two goals, one assists Messi light up Inter Miami
Messi scored two goals and provided one assist in his first start for Miami, scoring three goals in two games. Thanks to the Argentine world champions, Inter Miami held a 3-0 lead by half-time, for first time in clubs history.
Robert Taylor also scores two goals
The 36-year-old forward scored twice in the first 22 minutes of the match. Despite his first ball smashed the post, he was blocked by Sergio Busquets, but Taylor set the second ball 15 minutes later. Taylor took the lead this time, smashing past Brad Guzan just before half-time to make it 3-0, but Messi set up Taylor's goal to make it 4-0.
Messi creates most of chances
It was clearly Messi mania at the DRV PNK Stadium, he transformed the Inter Miami team. It was not just about the goals he created but also about the space he made and gave perfect timing to his teammate to clear the target. Taylor benefited most of the opportunity he gave the finishing touch to the team and ended as a star in Miami's jersey.
Thiago Almada efforts goes in vain
Messi was not the only one on the field World Cup champion on the field. Atlanta also has Thiago Almada. The 22-year-old midfielder looked to take something back from the game. When his Qatar teammate was balling out, Almada saw his late penalty being saved. The Argentine was not at his best form, but does not matter because non of the Atlanta player showed fighting spirit.
With this win, Messi-led high-flying Miami can now look forward to knock-out rounds that will played in first week of August.