Lionel Messi nets twice in Inter Miami's win over New England Revolution; Luis Suarez also on scoresheet

NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi's scoring streak in MLS continued as he netted twice in Inter Miami's 4-1 comeback victory against New England Revolution on Saturday. The league's top scorer now has nine goals in seven appearances this season.

A massive crowd of over 65,612 spectators gathered at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the venue shared by the Revolution and the NFL's New England Patriots, to witness the Argentine World Cup winner in action.


Despite being affected by a flu outbreak and languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, New England stunned the home fans just 40 seconds into the game through their own Argentine, Tomas Chancalay. After receiving a lofted pass from Spanish midfielder Carles Gil, Chancalay capitalized on Drake Callender's advanced position and chipped the ball over the stranded Miami goalkeeper to open the scoring.


Messi equalized for Miami in the 32nd minute, latching onto Robert Taylor's through pass and calmly slotting the ball home. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner then put Miami ahead in the 68th minute, collecting a brilliant defence-splitting pass from his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets and finishing with his trademark composure.


In the closing stages, Miami added two more goals, both orchestrated by Messi. Substitute Benjamin Cremaschi made it 3-1 in the 83rd minute, pouncing on the rebound after a Messi shot was parried away. Luis Suarez completed the scoring by finding the top corner following an inside pass from Messi.

(Inputs from AFP)