Lionel Messi hits wonderstrike to score ninth MLS goal in six games
Lionel Messi’s magical start in the MLS just keeps on going and going. The international superstar scored his ninth goal in the first half of a game against Philadelphia on Tuesday night and it might have been his best goal yet.
The Argentinian sprinted up through the middle of the field and had three defenders in front of him.
He looped past a trailing defender then split the other two with a low, driven shot at the far post. The shot perfectly evaded the Philadelphia keeper to make it 2-0 Inter Miami. Check it out below.
The goal was Lionel Messi’s ninth in the MLS so far. He has scored in all six games he has played in, a remarkable feat.
Tuesday’s goal might have been his best, though it certainly was not the most dramatic. That honor belongs to his first goal, which came right at the death of a 1-1 contest against Cruz Azul back on July 21.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Jim Larranaga
Miami HC set to step down
- 2New
CFP selection process
Urban Meyer predicts changes
- 3
National Championship odds
Updated odds are in
- 4
LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina QB signs NIL deal to return
- 5Hot
CFP home games
Steve Spurrier calls for change
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
With David Beckham watching from the stands and the clock quickly counting down on the end of regulation and extra time, Lionel Messi drew a foul near the top of the Cruz Azul 18-yard box and began to envision his ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ moment. Officials spotted the ball about 26 yards out from goal, slightly toward the left end of the field.
Lionel Messi stepped up with the crowd watching with bated breath.
Then the global phenomenon looped in a strike with his left foot, curling in a brilliant game-winner at the death of it for his first goal in the MLS.
Beckham, an owner of Inter Miami, was almost at a loss for words after that one.
“To be honest as soon as I saw the free kick given I thought this is the way it’s meant to end, especially when you’ve got players like Leo and Sergio on the pitch,” Beckham said. “That’s what they produce. It’s so exciting tonight for our fans. All of these people that have come down here to see Leo just step onto the pitch, let alone just do what he’s done.
“Obviously Sergio’s performance was incredible, but it’s a dream come true for everyone in this stadium to see, and everyone around this country to see, Leo stepping into the MLS and perform. I don’t have many words for that.”
In six MLS games so far — with the Philadelphia game ongoing — Lionel Messi has recorded nine goals and one assist.