Messi leads Inter Miami to the playoffs
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to qualify for the MLS playoffs thanks to his assist and involvement in goals.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Argentine star Lionel Messi delivered a decisive pass to his compatriot Rodrigo de Paul, and Mexican striker Germán Berterame ended his goal drought, securing Inter Miami’s place in the MLS Playoffs with a victory over their visitors. Argentine manager Cristian “Celly” Gonzalez recorded his first two consecutive wins since taking charge last month, ensuring that Inter Miami, who sit second with 52 points behind Nashville (66), will secure at least a Wild Card berth, with five matches remaining in the regular season. Securing second place gives Inter Miami home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Gonzalez said, “I am happy. Clearly, there is still a lot to improve, but we are making gradual progress.”
Messi, who scored two goals on Saturday after donning the Inter Miami jersey following his emotional farewell to the Argentina national team last week, was in strong form, contributing to both first-half goals. In the 20th minute, Messi received the ball near the edge of the penalty area and passed it to De Paul, who in turn sent it to Uruguayan Luis Suarez, giving Berterame, the Argentine-born former Barcelona striker, an easy opportunity to score his first goal since May. De Paul doubled the lead on a quick counterattack: after Berterame advanced the ball from midfield and found Messi on his right, Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, drew in three defenders before slipping a left-footed pass to his teammate, who fired a powerful shot into the top right corner of the net (45+5).
