Foxborough, Massachusetts: Lionel Messi showcased his scoring prowess once again in Major League Soccer (MLS), netting twice to propel league leaders Inter Miami to a remarkable 4-1 comeback win against the New England Revolution on Saturday.
Messi, currently the top scorer in MLS, extended his goal tally to nine from seven appearances this season with a commanding performance.
A crowd exceeding 65,612 spectators filled Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, shared by the Revolution and the NFL’s New England Patriots, to witness the Argentine World Cup winner in action.
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Despite facing New England, who were plagued by a flu bug before the game and positioned at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the home team thrilled the packed stadium within 40 seconds through Argentine forward Tomas Chancalay.
Miami’s defender Nicolas Freire’s error gifted Spanish midfielder Carles Gil an opportunity to set up Chancalay, who capitalized on the chance, chipping the ball over the advancing Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender for the opening goal.
Messi swiftly restored parity in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on Robert Taylor’s precise through pass to find the back of the net confidently.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again in the 68th minute, converting a brilliant defense-splitting pass from his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets with his trademark composure. Messi’s influence continued as Miami added two more goals in the dying moments of the game, with substitute Benjamin Cremaschi and Luis Suarez completing the scoring, both assisted by Messi.
Remarkably, tickets to witness Messi’s stellar performance at Gillette Stadium surpassed the average purchase price of tickets for New England Patriots’ games, reflecting the immense demand to watch the football icon in action. This marks the second NFL stadium sold out by Messi within this month.
