Lionel Messi creator as Inter Miami wins in MLS opener football news

Lionel Messi scored both goals as Inter Miami got off to a winning start to the new Major League Soccer season with a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. The Argentina World Cup winner, who played the full game, dispelled any concerns about his early-season fitness with an excellent performance to seal the bookies’ title favourites. Coach Gerardo Martino said of Messi, “He was loose, looked good and showed a lot of pace.” The other three members of Miami’s former Barcelona quartet, debutant Luis Suarez, midfielder Sergio Busquets and left-back Jordi Alba, all debuted in front of a huge crowd. Against an alert Salt Lake team, Messi came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute with a free-kick from 30 yards that was cleared off the line by Justin Glad.

He was then cheered by the crowd when a player sitting low on the floor, on the edge of the box, blocked his path, but he bounced the ball over him and let a shot loose which was blocked.

But Miami went ahead when Spaniard Sergio Busquets found Messi and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner cleverly passed the ball to Finnish forward Robert Taylor, whose low shot beat RSL keeper Zac McMath .

The goalkeeper should have kept the effort going but it was a goal that forced the visitors to open up after halftime and Inter faced some problems due to their more aggressive approach.

Cristian Arango blasted a half-chance over the bar for Salt Lake and then, after Busquets gave the ball carelessly, Andrés Gómez blasted goalwards, but the Colombian winger fired wide.

The Utah team should have created more space as Miami struggled early in the second half, but a lack of accuracy paid the price.

Realizing that his team needed a goal or two to ensure the points, Messi increased his work rate and began to take control of the game.

Dropping deep to collect the ball, he launched a number of attacks with his quick burst forward combined with his trademark close control.

The 36-year-old weaved down the inside left channel to find space for Julian Gressel to cross at the back post, but the German headed home his effort from a tight angle.

Messi then blasted from deep again and found Suárez, who picked out Diego Gómez and the Paraguayan midfielder pressed his shot into the far corner to make it 2–0.

The trio almost combined again to reach the third and Messi slipped it to Gomez, who served to Suarez, but the Uruguayan’s effort was saved by McMath’s outstretched leg.

Martino was glad to see two less-publicized members of his cast in the spotlight.

“It has to happen with a team. Usually Luis and Leo are the ones most associated with the goals, but the fact that Roberto and Diego have scored and (Messi and Suarez) have had the assists, it is always a It’s a positive thing.” He said.

The former Argentina, Mexico and Barcelona coach said he is confident that Messi and Suarez will be able to recapture some of the magic they showed during their seasons at the Camp Nou.

“They know each other well but we have to find the partnership that already works at Barcelona,” he said.

For Taylor, who enjoyed great form soon after Messi joined the club and was a key part of the League Cup-winning team, it was a positive start to the campaign.

“It’s the start we wanted, I mean there are still some things we need to work on. Obviously, it’s the first game of the season, but the positive thing is three points and we’re looking forward to it,” he said. Will take it forward.” ,

Inter Miami returns to action on Sunday at Los Angeles Galaxy.

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