Legendary Messi scores twice, assists once in Inter Miami’s 4-0 win

Lionel Messi not only scored twice but also supplied an assist in Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in his debut game for the club.

The 36-year-old Argentina star scored twice in the first 22 minutes before assisting colleague Robert Taylor in the second half.

After scoring his second goal, Messi pointed to Inter Miami owner David Beckham.

His effort came on the heels of a game-winning stoppage-time free kick last week.

“He can do everything on the ball. He can keep it in tight spaces, and he makes the right decision 100% of the time,” Taylor said in a post-match interview. “Most of the time he’ll find one of his team-mates.

“He brings so much quality to the team, so much. I mean, he’s the best player in the world.

“This is what he does – he scores two goals, he scored last game, gets another assist. It’s a dream come true to play with him.”

Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined the Major League Soccer team after his contract with Paris St. Germain expired and only began training with his teammates last week.

During a two-year run with the French champs, the 2022 World Cup winner scored 32 goals in 75 games while turning down substantial offers to play in the United States.

Messi scored the game's opening goal in the ninth minute, scoring a rebound of his own effort after handling a ball over the top from fellow newcomer and former Barcelona colleague Sergio Busquets.

Thirteen minutes later, he increased the lead by combining with Taylor of Finland to bury a low cross from close range.

Taylor scored a third before halftime, and Messi completed the scoring by throwing the 28-year-old through on a burst in the second period.

Messi was replaced in the 78th minute to a standing ovation, prompting a lot of supporters to leave the 20,000-seat DRV PNK Stadium.

Inter Miami advanced to the League Cup knockout rounds as a result of the victory.

The Leagues Cup is a tournament which brings together all the top-flight teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX and with two wins Miami top their group and with their new arrival looking settled so quickly, they will surely believe they can get their first-ever trophy.