Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami thrashed Columbus Crew 5-1 in the MLS in what was the club’s final game before the inaugural extended Club World Cup gets underway in two weeks time.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner became only the second player in MLS history to record at least five goal contributions in more than one game after he helped himself to three assists as Javier Mascherano’s side ran riot at Chase Stadium.
Tadeo Allende, Fafa Picault and Luis Suarez, surpassing Leonardo Campana (32) for the second most goals in Inter Miami history, scored the other goals to lift Miami up to third in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Cincinnati and five points adrift of leaders Philadelphia but with a game in hand.
Another iconic performance 🏆🔥 @RoyalCaribbean #IconOfTheMatch pic.twitter.com/c1Vlibt14o
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 1, 2025
The goals also mean Messi, with 31, moves ahead of Gonzalo Higuain (29) for the most MLS regular season goals for the club.
And Mascherano did not hold back in his praise of his compatriot, even going as far to say that when Messi fails to shine, the fault lies elsewhere.
“We try to help him in every way we can, both the players and us as staff. He is the best player to ever play this sport, and we need to understand that when he doesn’t stand out, it’s because one of us is failing,” the Miami boss said.
“Over time, as a teammate and now as a coach, I continue to enjoy the things he does on the field.
“We want to build everything around him so he can shine.”
Mascherano, Messi and co. now turn their attention to this summer’s Club World Cup, which for Miami kicks off at the Hard Rock Stadium against Egyptian side Al-Ahly on 14 June (EDT).
Looking ahead to the tournament, Mascherano added: “The Club World Cup is a single-group format, and the first match will be important because it sets the tone. We know the level is higher than what we’ve encountered in CONCACAF and in MLS.”
