In a commanding display at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted two more goals as Inter Miami crushed Columbus Crew 5-1 in a Major League Soccer encounter. This victory serves as a strong warm-up for Miami ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup opener against African champions Al Ahly on June 14.
Miami, who had struggled with form earlier in the season, have rediscovered their rhythm with back-to-back wins, including a 4-2 triumph over Montreal where Messi and Luis Suarez each netted twice. The team’s confidence was evident from the start against Columbus, who were uncharacteristically vulnerable defensively.
The scoring began in the 13th minute when Messi, dropping deep, launched a precise long ball to Argentine forward Tadeo Allende, who calmly finished. Two minutes later, Columbus goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, deputizing for the injured Patrick Schulte, made a costly error by passing directly to Messi, who lobbed the ball into the net despite Hagen’s attempt to save it.
Messi then completed his brace in the 24th minute with a clever lob over the advancing goalkeeper, assisted by Sergio Busquets spotting a gap in the Crew’s defense. Columbus managed a consolation goal in the 58th minute through Cesar Ruvalcaba’s powerful header, but Miami quickly restored their three-goal lead when Messi set up Luis Suarez for a clinical finish in the 64th minute.
The Argentine maestro capped off the scoring by assisting substitute Fafa Picault late in the game, sealing a comprehensive victory. Messi now prepares to join Argentina for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Miami riding high after this dominant performance.
