Messi scores a double, breaks a record, and leads Inter Miami to their fifth win in a row
The Argentine led the 2-1 victory over Nashville and reached 16 goals in the MLS season
Lionel Messi did it again. With two decisive goals, the Argentine was the star of Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Nashville on Matchday 22 of the MLS. The captain of the Garzas not only sealed another comeback, but also scored his fifth consecutive double in the American league, an unprecedented mark.
The first goal came early. 17 minutes into the first half, Messi executed a free kick from the edge of the area with his magical left foot. It wasn't the typical high shot he usually uses, but a powerful, low shot that landed just inside the right post of goalkeeper Joe Willis, who could do little.
Nashville responded energetically after the break. Barely into the second half, Hany Mukhtar anticipated everyone in the box and headed in a precise cross to tie the game in the 49th minute. The game was level, but not for long.
A gross error by the opposing goalkeeper would determine the outcome of the match. In the 62nd minute, Joe Willis tried to play the ball out and gifted the ball to Messi. The Rosario native didn't let any of them down: he calmly eluded him and finished with class to seal the final 2-1.
Five consecutive braces and an unstoppable streak
With this latest brace, Messi reached 16 goals this season, equaling Nashville's Englishman Sam Surridge at the top of the scoring charts. But there's more: never before has a footballer scored five consecutive braces in the MLS regular season. The number 10 continues to make history in every match.
Inter Miami now has five consecutive league wins, demonstrating their strong form following their elimination in the round of 16 from the Club World Cup. With 38 points, Javier Mascherano's team is fifth in the Eastern Conference, but with three games less than the leader, Philadelphia Union, who has 43 points.
Messi also has a perfect record against Nashville: five games, five goals. And with 56 goals in total since joining the South Florida franchise, the Argentine idol seems determined to continue expanding his tally.

