Lionel Messi showcased brilliance on the pitch for Inter-Miami as he scored his fifth goal and added an assist while Luis Suarez netted a late goal in the second half in a thrilling 3-2 win against Sporting Kansas City on April 13 in front of a staggering 72,610 fans packed Arrowhead Stadium.
In an intense showdown, Erik Thommy displayed his prowess with a brace as he netted goals in the sixth and 58th minute. However, Inter Miami fought valiantly, with Diego Gomez finding the back on the net in the 18th minute. The match took an electrifying turn when Messi scored for Inter Miami and took a 2-1 lead in the 51st minute. It was his fourth straight MLS game with a goal. The decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute when Sporting KC’s mistake allowed Miami’s Diego Gomez to set up Luis Suarez for the winning goal and sealed the victory.
Messi's influence in the MLS continues to grow with his outstanding performance. In just five games this season, he has scored five goals and made two assists. Messi has scored 18 goals for Inter Miami, getting closer to breaking Gonzalo Higuaín's record of 28 goals for the team. Messi needs 11 more goals to surpass him.
Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi lavished praise on Messi's goal.
“It was an amazing goal", Cremaschi said.
“He does this all the time, so it doesn’t surprise me at all. It’s normal from a guy like him.”
Earlier, Sporting scored first in the sixth minute through Thommy's clinical finish, but Miami quickly tied the game in the 18th minute with a goal from Gomez, set up by Messi. Messi almost scored again with a powerful free-kick in the 41st minute.
The game attracted a huge crowd at Arrowhead Stadium and surpassed the previous record for attendance set back in 2010 when the Kansas City Wizards played against Manchester United in a friendly match.
Messi will now be seen in action when he will lead Inter Miami against Nashville SC on April 21.
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