Lionel Messi set the Major League Soccer record for most goal contributions and assists in a single match during Inter Miami CF‘s triumphant 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.
Messi’s six goal contributions and five assists in a game are new MLS records. He has now scored and assisted in six consecutive league matches.
“All [goals] were fundamental to the game, but Leo did something historic tonight with five assists and one goal,” said Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino.
“But I can’t forget Suarez’s three goals and Rojas’ two goals. The first, well both, but the first Rojas goal was amazing. But because of the technical aspect of Leo on the assist I will choose Luis Suárez‘s scissor goal as my favorite.”
Suárez had three goals and Matías Rojas scored twice as Inter Miami got six unanswered goals to come back from a 1-0 deficit at halftime.
Messi has quickly become an integral part of Inter Miami’s success. Since he debuted with the Herons in July 2023, Inter Miami is 2-4-6 (WDL) when he does not play and 15-7-3 when he is on the pitch across all competitions.
“He’s not the key component just because of this game. He always is. Today, the association between Messi and Luis in the second half worked well, like old times. When they find each other, the team is able to back them up in the game, and when we find space, they are very influential in the game,” Martino added.
Miami continues to lead the Eastern Conference table with 24 points in 12 games.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
