Messi Achieves Historic Record with 427 Assists
Inter Miami qualifies for the MLS playoffs following Messi's historic performance.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Miami – AFP – Argentine star Lionel Messi delivered a decisive assist to his compatriot Rodrigo de Paul, and Mexican striker Germen Bertierami ended his goal drought, securing Inter Miami’s place in the Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-0 victory over visiting New York City FC.
Argentine manager Cristian Gonzalez secured his first two consecutive wins since taking charge last month, ensuring Inter Miami, currently second with 52 points behind Nashville (66), at least a wild-card berth, with five matches remaining in the regular season.
Inter Miami’s second-place finish grants them home-field advantage in the playoffs.
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 formidable 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 then sent it to Uruguayan Luis Suarez, giving former Barcelona striker Bertierami an easy opportunity to score his first goal since May.
De Paul doubled the lead on a swift counterattack. Bertierami started the move from midfield, found Messi on his right, who 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).
Messi also achieved an additional career milestone, reaching 427 assists at the club and international levels, surpassing Serbian Dusan Tadic (327) and German Thomas Muller (303).
