Messi Breaks MLS Records as Inter Miami Topples New England Revolution

Lionel Messi’s impressive form in Major League Soccer (MLS) has continued into the new season with two goals against New England Revolution on Saturday. The 36-year-old helped Inter Miami secure a comfortable 4-1 victory at Gillette Stadium, which also saw him break MLS records for most goal contributions in seven matches and scoring multiple times in five successive games. Bottom-of-the-division Revs took an early lead through Tomás Chancalay but Messi equalized on the stroke of half time before putting his team ahead just after the hour mark, adding another assist to set up Luis Suárez late on as Miami moved top of the Eastern Conference. The game was watched by a record crowd for Gillette Stadium with 65,612 fans in attendance. Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino acknowledged that Messi’s presence alone is enough to draw large crowds but added: “People come to every stadium to see Leo, that’s true, but they also want their team to win.” Following another sellout for Saturday evening game – the third time this season – against Nashville SC last week with a record 61,500 fans in attendance at Nissan Stadium. Messi’s impact has been significant since joining Miami after leaving Barcelona as one of football’s greatest players who helped Argentina win the World Cup and claimed eight Ballon d’Or awards during his time there. His contribution to Inter Miami saw them claim their first trophy last August, while they are now top of the Eastern Conference standings this season following a brilliant start that has included six wins from 11 games.