Messi’s six goal contributions and five assists in one match set MLS records. He has now scored and assisted in six consecutive league games.
“All of [the goals] were fundamental to the game, but Leo did something historic tonight with five assists and a goal,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said.
“But I can’t forget the three goals from Suárez and the two from Rojas. The first one, well, both of them, but Rojas’ first goal was spectacular. But for the technical aspect of Leo’s assist, I’ll choose Luis Suárez’s scissor kick as my favourite.”
Suarez scored three goals and Matias Rojas scored twice as Inter Miami reeled off six unanswered goals to overturn a 1-0 halftime deficit.
Messi and Suarez now lead the league with 10 goals each, and the Argentine star also leads MLS in assists with 12.
“It’s easier with Leo. Obviously we know each other and sometimes you’ll notice that we know where the other is and we make moves without having to look at each other. It’s good for the team,” said Suarez.
Martino and Messi have a long history together, having played together at Barcelona and playing against each other while the Garzas coach was in charge of Paraguay and Mexico. Even with years of experience watching Messi, Martino maintains that it will be difficult to witness the forward’s performance against the Red Bulls again.
“Messi had some exceptional games in Barcelona during my time with him,” he said. “But I also remember a semi-final with Paraguay in the Copa America in Chile, where he didn’t score a goal and he was still the best player on the pitch. In Barcelona he had a game against Valencia where we were losing 2-0 and then we won 3-2 with three goals from him. And there was another against Sevilla, where we were losing 1-0, and then he scored three goals and we won 4-1. I always say this, and at this point it’s redundant, but he always does something new. Being involved in all six goals in a team’s 6-2 win is something that will be difficult to see again.”
Messi has quickly become an integral part of Inter Miami’s success. Since making his debut with the Herons in July 2023, Inter Miami is 2-4-6 (WDL) when not playing and 15-7-3 when on the field in all competitions.
“He is not the key component just for this game. He always is. Today the partnership between Messi and Luis in the second half worked well, like in the old days. When they are together, the team can support them in the game, and when we find space, they are very influential in the game,” Martino added.
