Lionel Messi continued his stunning form by scoring twice in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Nashville on Saturday, setting a new Major League Soccer record with five consecutive multi-goal games.
The 38-year-old netted in both halves to bring his tally to 16 goals in 16 matches, tying Nashville’s Sam Surridge at the top of the MLS scoring charts.
Messi’s run of doubles began in May with victories over Montreal and Columbus, before a brief stint at the Club World Cup, where he scored once in four appearances as Miami reached the last 16.
Since returning to MLS action, the Argentine legend has picked up right where he left off—scoring two goals in each of his last three matches, including against Montreal, New England, and now Nashville.
He opened the scoring in Fort Lauderdale with a low free-kick that pierced the Nashville wall in the 17th minute.
After Hany Mukhtar equalized for the visitors early in the second half, Messi struck again in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a poor pass from goalkeeper Joe Willis to seal the win.
The result keeps Inter Miami in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, now just five points behind leaders Philadelphia with three games in hand.
