Rain Delay Triumph: Messi Scores in 3rd Consecutive Game for Inter Miami

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, USA — Lionel Messi scored for the third consecutive match with Inter Miami on Wednesday, this time against Orlando City, in a clash delayed 95 minutes due to a series of electrical storms.

It was the Argentine superstar's fourth goal since joining the MLS club, and it came at the seven-minute mark of the game.

Messi chested down a ball served by Robert Taylor, dribbled a couple of meters near the edge of the six-yard box, and scored with a shot just under the crossbar. The goal gave Inter a 1-0 lead in the Round of 16 match of the Leagues Cup, which was originally scheduled to kick off at 8 pm.

Messi and his Inter teammates showed up at DRV PNK Stadium for warm-up about 45 minutes before the intended start time. Heavy rain began about 20 minutes later.

The stadium workers had to drain the puddles that formed near the midfield. Messi and his teammates reappeared for a second warm-up.

The Argentine ace hadn't dealt with adverse weather conditions in his first two tournament matches since joining the MLS club. He scored the winning goal against Cruz Azul and contributed two goals in a victory over Atlanta United.

Lionel Messi once again found the net with Inter Miami, this time against Orlando City SC in the Round of 16 match of the Leagues Cup 2023.

The Argentine forward scored his fourth goal for the Florida team in three matches, securing their spot in the Quarterfinals of the competition between Liga MX and MLS clubs. Messi's goal was a stunner, receiving the ball on his chest and firing past Pedro Gallese, courtesy of a pass from Robert Taylor, in the 7th minute of the match.

The game continued, and Orlando City SC equalized through César Araújo's goal in the 17th minute, following a series of rebounds inside the pink team's box.

What a goal! Messi crowns another gem for Inter Miami's 1-0 lead.

The Argentine superstar received a spectacular assist from Taylor to open the scoring against Orlando City.

Messi received his first yellow card after a tough tackle on Wilder Cartagena and also had a heated exchange with Araújo, continuing their discussion even in the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms.

In the second half, Inter Miami regained the lead with Josef Martínez's penalty goal, deceiving Pedro Gallese from the spot, making it 2-1 temporarily in the 51st minute.

The game was intense at many moments, given the rivalry between the two MLS teams, known as the "Florida Clásico. "

The final nail in the coffin was Lionel Messi's brace, scoring a goal from a half-turn shot to make it 3-1 in the 73rd minute, sealing his team's passage to the next round. Jordi Alba made his debut, coming on as a substitute in the second half.