Miami Mesmerised by Messi’s Magic
Whether described as magical, mesmerising or unbelievable, Lionel Messi’s football skills seem to defy words. As he approaches the age of 39, the Argentine superstar has lost none of his ability to trouble opposing defences. Once again, he amazed football fans with two stunning goals to guide Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS).
With the win, Mr. Messi has taken his goal tally to 25 in the current league season. He leads his closest rival in the Golden Boot race by six goals. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also provided 15 assists. He is jointly at the top of the league’s assist chart and has become the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Across club and international football, Mr. Messi has now contributed a goal or an assist in 13 consecutive matches. This is the second-longest such streak of his career. His consistent performances have also strengthened his chances of winning the MLS Most Valuable Player award for a third consecutive season.
The first half at Atlanta’s home ground remained largely goalless. In the 41st minute, Atlanta’s goalkeeper just managed to save a superb free-kick from Mr. Messi. Four minutes later, Luis Suárez collected the ball after an intelligent header from Messi and passed it to Germán Berterame. The forward scored with a header to put Miami ahead.
Mr. Messi’s real magic began in the second half. In the 56th minute, he collected a pass from Rodrigo De Paul just beyond the halfway line and surged forward. After exchanging passes with Berterame, the Argentine star dribbled past defenders, avoided a sliding tackle and sent the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs into the net. The stunning goal left even the commentator amazed.
Four minutes later, Mr. Messi produced another moment of brilliance. He collected a pass from Suárez inside Miami’s half and raced into Atlanta’s territory. Using his close control and clever body movements, he fooled a defender before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Atlanta were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute, but the referee overturned the decision after reviewing the incident on VAR. In the 89th minute, Atlanta pulled one goal back from the penalty spot, but it was not enough to prevent Miami’s victory. The win confirmed Inter Miami’s place in the playoffs. The club remain second in the standings with 55 points from 30 matches. Messi once again showed that his magic on the football field is far from over.
