Lionel Messi has set another milestone in Major League Soccer, becoming the first player to score multiple goals in four consecutive league matches as Inter Miami edged New England Revolution 2-1.
The 38-year-old Argentine forward continued his remarkable form, netting twice in the first half to take his season tally to 14 goals in 15 MLS appearances.
Messi began his streak in May with standout performances in wins over CF Montréal (4-2) and Columbus Crew (5-1), before taking part in the Club World Cup. Though he scored only once in four games as Miami exited in the last 16 to Paris Saint-Germain, he returned to domestic action last week with a goal in a 4-1 win over Montréal.
On Saturday, Messi opened the scoring in the 27th minute, slotting home with his left foot from inside the box. He added a second 11 minutes later, curling in a clinical finish after a pinpoint long pass from Sergio Busquets.
Despite a late goal from Carles Gil for New England in the 79th minute, Miami held on for the win, moving up to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s continued brilliance:
“Leo is a special player—arguably the greatest to ever play the game. Even now, he keeps doing things on the pitch we’ve rarely seen. We’re lucky to witness it.”
Messi’s latest scoring run adds to a growing list of MLS records. He holds the league record for most assists in a single game (five) and most goal contributions in a single match (six), both set during a 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls in May.
He now also holds the all-time record for most goal contributions for Inter Miami, with 58.
