After making a dramatic Inter Miami debut off the bench last week, Lionel Messi has shown what he can do as a starter.
The Argentinian superstar has netted two goals and set up two more, as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 4-0 in a Leagues Cup game at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Miami (2-0-0, 6 points) clinched first place in the South 3 Group and are headed to the round of 32 at the in-season tournament that features every team from Major League Soccer and Mexico's Liga MX.
Messi's last-second, free-kick goal lifted Miami to a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul in the group opener. Atlanta United will play host to Cruz Azul on Saturday, with the winners advancing to the knockout rounds.
Messi needed just eight minutes to put Inter Miami ahead. He took a long pass from fellow Miami newcomer Sergio Busquets and dribbled in alone on a breakaway.
Messi rolled a left-footed shot off the far post, before calmly tapping in the rebound with his right foot.
In the 22nd minute, Messi took a pass from Robert Taylor 10 yards in front of the net and tapped in another right-footed goal.
Messi helped set up Taylor's goal in the 44th minute, then got an assist in the 53rd minute, as Taylor completed a two-on-one breakaway with his second of the night.
The only downside for Miami on the night was Christopher McVey receiving a red card in the 84th minute for a foul in the penalty area. Inter Miami goalie Drake Callender saved Thiago Almada's subsequent penalty kick.
Reuters
