An idyllic start. Lionel Messi planted his fourth and fifth goals on Wednesday in his third appearance for Inter Miami, in a 3-1 victory against Orlando in Fort Lauderdale (Florida), in the round of 16 of the Leagues Cup.
His new American team, which had not recorded any victory in its last 11 league matches before its arrival, is now three out of three in this Leagues Cup, an unprecedented summer competition between North American and Mexican D1 clubs.
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The Argentinian concluded twice from close range, first in the 7th minute on a serve from Robert Taylor. Chest control, volley sequence, the sevenfold Golden Ball had thus given the advantage to his people. But Orlando responded ten minutes later, when César Araujo took over at the entrance to the area a strike from Ivan Angulo repelled by Florida goalkeeper Drake Callendar (17th).
Inter Miami came back in front thanks to a penalty from Josef Martinez (51st), before he offered his second double to Messi (72nd), who is therefore at five goals in three matches in his new colors.
Jordi Alba, former teammate of the “Pulga” at FC Barcelona and also arrived in Florida this summer, made his debut with Miami by entering the 64th. Inter Miami will meet FC Dallas on Sunday in the Round of 16.
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