What happens when Lionel Messi decides it’s showtime? The answer: a night of football fireworks in Fort Lauderdale. Inter Miami delivered a statement performance, thrashing Columbus Crew 5-1 in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match that will be talked about for weeks.
The drama began early at Chase Stadium, with the crowd buzzing in anticipation of Messi’s latest masterpiece. It took just 13 minutes for Inter Miami to ignite the scoreboard, as Tadeo Allende coolly finished off a sharp Messi assist. The Argentine maestro wasn’t content with just creating—two minutes later, he sent a trademark left-footed rocket into the top corner, doubling Miami’s lead and sending the home fans into delirium.
By the 24th minute, the rout was on. Messi, linking up with long-time teammate Sergio Busquets, slotted home his second of the night, making it 3-0 before most fans had settled in.
Columbus Crew, stunned but not broken, clawed one back through Cesar Ruvalcaba from a set-piece in the 63rd minute. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed minutes later when Luis Suárez capped a flowing team move for Miami’s fourth—his 1001st career goal, a staggering milestone.
The Herons weren’t done. In the dying minutes, a fifth goal sealed the emphatic win, underlining Miami’s attacking prowess. The stats told the story: Miami boasted 62% possession, 18 shots (10 on target), and a pass accuracy of 89%. Messi finished with two goals and an assist, while Suárez and Allende added their names to the scoresheet.
This match marked Inter Miami’s last before they head to the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will represent MLS on the global stage. Messi is expected to rejoin the Argentine national team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers following the Club World Cup, making this victory a perfect send-of.
With this win, Inter Miami leapfrog into the top three of the Eastern Conference, sending a warning to the rest of MLS: when Messi is in this mood, anything is possible.
