Lionel Messi Makes MLS History with Another Brace for Miami

Lionel Messi wrote yet another glittering chapter in his Major League Soccer adventure on Wednesday night, firing both goals in Inter Miami’s 2-1 triumph over the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. With the twin strikes, the Argentine icon became the first player in league history to bag multiple goals in four consecutive matches, propelling the Herons to a fourth straight regular-season win and stretching their unbeaten MLS run to five. A crowd of 43,293 — New England’s biggest home turnout of 2024 — watched the record unfold.

Lionel Messi Continues Record-Breaking MLS Run

The opening goal came on 27 minutes and was trademark Lionel Messi opportunism. Trying to relieve pressure, Revolution defender Tanner Beason looped a header toward keeper Aljaž Ivačič. Messi, sniffing danger like only he can, ghosted into the gap, stole the ball, and clipped it calmly into the empty net. Eleven minutes later he doubled the lead, finishing a sumptuous Sergio Busquets through pass with a low drive that kissed the far post on its way past the sprawling Ivačič. That finish took him to 18 league goals in as many appearances this season — numbers that underline why even neutral arenas erupt whenever Messi is in town.

Inter Miami’s Tactical Edge in Foxborough

Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino deployed his preferred 4-3-3, but tweaked roles to counter the Revolution’s narrow midfield. Busquets dropped between the center-backs to dictate from deep, allowing Benjamin Cremaschi and David Ruiz to press high and funnel New England toward the flanks. Out wide, Jordi Alba’s overlaps and the darting runs of Luis Suárez pinned the Revs’ full-backs, creating pockets for Messi to receive between the lines. The result? Miami controlled 58 percent possession and produced six shots on target to the hosts’ three before halftime.

Busquets-Messi Connection Shines

The second goal epitomized the chemistry forged at Barcelona and now terrorizing MLS defenses. Busquets received under pressure, lifted his head once, and threaded a pass that eliminated four New England players. Messi’s first touch set up the angle, his second tucked the ball beneath Ivačič. It was their sixth direct assist-to-goal combination of the campaign — more than any other duo in MLS.

Revolution’s Response and Late Push

Give Caleb Porter’s side credit: the hosts refused to fold. After the break they introduced Tomás Chancalay for additional width and shifted to a 4-2-3-1. The change finally stretched Miami, and Carles Gil nearly halved the deficit on 64 minutes when his curler shaved the post. The Spaniard was not to be denied for long; on 80 minutes he dribbled past Tomás Avilés and hammered a 20-yard rocket inside the left-hand post. The stadium roared, sensing a comeback, but Drake Callender’s sharp save from Giacomo Vrioni two minutes later preserved the lead. Miami’s back line, anchored by Nico Freire, won three crucial aerial duels in stoppage time to seal the points.

What the Result Means for the Eastern Conference

Inter Miami climb to 35 points from 18 matches, occupying fifth place yet holding three games in hand on leaders FC Cincinnati. The Herons have scored a league-best 47 goals, with Lionel Messi responsible for 38 percent of that haul. If they capitalize on their schedule advantage, a Supporters’ Shield push is realistic. For the Revolution, the loss leaves them 12th, five points adrift of the final playoff berth. Porter will take heart from the improved second-half display but knows efficiency in both boxes must improve.

Player Ratings: Miami Edge the Key Battles

Inter Miami: Callender 7; Yedlin 6, Freire 7, Avilés 5, Alba 7; Busquets 8, Cremaschi 6, Ruiz 6; Messi 9, Suárez 7, Taylor 6.

New England: Ivačič 6; Jones 6, Kessler 6, Beason 5, Spaulding 5; Polster 6, Harkes 6; Gil 8, Bajraktarević 6, Nacho Gil 5; Vrioni 6.

Looking Ahead

Miami now return to DRV PNK Stadium for a weekend clash with Nashville SC, aiming to extend their winning streak before a pivotal three-game road swing. Fitness management will be crucial; Martino hinted post-match that Messi could receive limited minutes once the congested schedule hits full throttle. The Revolution, meanwhile, travel to Austin FC desperate for three points to revive their season.

Quick Opinion

Records may fall weekly, but the real story is how Lionel Messi has elevated the collective. Busquets looks five years younger, Suárez revels in clever service, and youngsters like Cremaschi are learning from the greatest ever to lace up boots. If Miami stay healthy, the rest of MLS will be chasing pink shirts deep into autumn.