A Night of Dominance: Messi and the Herons’ Triumph Over Columbus Crew
In a resounding display of skill and teamwork, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s Herons cruised to a commanding 5-1 victory against the Columbus Crew in their final match before the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. This decisive win not only boosted the team’s confidence but also reaffirmed Messi’s status as one of the greatest football players of all time, showcasing his extraordinary talents on home soil.
Messi’s Exceptional Performance
Messi’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking, as he notched up an impressive two goals and three assists during the match. This stellar achievement rivals his previous record from a 6-2 rout of the New York Red Bulls last year, where he delivered an astonishing one goal and five assists. Such contributions have propelled him into the MLS record books, further solidifying his legacy in American soccer.
With this performance, Messi made history by becoming only the second player in MLS to record five goal contributions in two separate regular-season matches. He now shares this rare feat with the Crew’s Diego Rossi, who achieved it while playing for LAFC.
Impact Beyond Goals
In addition to his brace, Messi assisted goals from teammates Tadeo Allende, Luis Suárez, and Fafà Picault, contributing to Miami’s impressive three-match unbeaten streak (2 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw). Head coach Javier Mascherano confidently acknowledged Messi’s unparalleled talent, asserting, “Clearly, he’s the best player in history to play this sport.”
Mascherano’s admiration for Messi extends beyond his stats. “That’s the admiration: seeing someone else do what you can’t do,” he said, illustrating the inspiring effect Messi has on his teammates and the league as a whole.
Turning the Tide
This remarkable win marks a turnaround for Miami, who had endured a challenging stretch with only one victory in eight games across all competitions, dating back to their previous match against Columbus on April 19. Mascherano remarked, “Of course winning like this, in this manner, does give us confidence. It shows us that if we are brave, calm, and have the desire to compete, we can match up toe-to-toe with anyone – especially in MLS.”
As the Herons gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 against Egyptian side Al Ahly, Mascherano is emphasizing a cautious approach. He reminded his squad to stay focused, stating, “The Club World Cup? That is a different story.”
Eyes on the Prize
The upcoming tournament represents a significant challenge, and Mascherano refuses to look beyond their first match. “Our objective is to win the first match,” he stated, reiterating the importance of taking one game at a time. After facing Al Ahly, Miami will battle prestigious teams such as Portuguese giants FC Porto and Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras, with matches set in Atlanta and Miami.
Mascherano expressed his awareness of the heightened level of competition, saying, “We have to be honest. The level [of play] will be higher than what we’ve faced in Concacaf [Champions Cup] and MLS.” As the Herons prepare to take on the world’s best, the excitement mounts for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament, with Messi leading the charge.
