Messi nets double, assists as Inter Miami beat Nashville

Lionel Messi scored twice and created another as Inter Miami beat Nashville 3-1 on Saturday, to maintain their lead atop Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. The 36-year-old Argentine superstar delivered yet again for his club as they maintain a strong run.

Miami fell behind early when defender Franco Negri deflected a Daniel Lovitz corner into his own net after just two minutes at Chase Stadium. Gerardo Martino’s side have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 straight matches. Josh Bauer nearly doubled Nashville’s lead moments later when he struck the bar.

However, Messi soon equalised in the 11th minute, slotting home after his initial shot was parried out by Elliot Panicco following excellent work by Diego Gomez and Luis Suarez. Two minutes later, Messi hit the post with another effort as Miami took control.

Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets then headed home a Messi corner in the 39th minute to put Miami ahead 2-1. Gomez departed injured before halftime in a blow for the home side.

Messi sealed the 3-1 win from the penalty spot nine minutes from time for his ninth goal in nine games across all competitions this season.

Paul

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