Inter Miami star Lionel Messi set multiple MLS single-game records on Saturday night, registering five assists and a goal to lead Miami to a 6-2 win over the New York Red Bulls.

Messi’s five assists, all of which came in the second half, set a new single-game record for assists and for most assists in a half. With those combined with his goal, Messi also set a league record for goal contributions in a single game with six. Seven players held the previous record of five, including current Columbus Crew midfielder Diego Rossi twice, once in 2018 and once in 2020, both with LAFC.

Messi now has 10 goals and 12 assists in just eight games played this season. He became the first Inter Miami player to register double digits in both categories in a single season.

Messi now has 11 goals and 14 assists in 14 MLS regular season games played since joining Inter Miami last summer.

The Red Bulls actually struck first in the game and held a 1-0 lead at halftime, but Miami came out at a different level in the second half and took the game over. Miami’s new signing Matias Rojas scored twice, star forward Luis Suarez added a hat trick and Messi was at the center of it all.

Suarez now has 10 goals and five assists on the season.

The win keeps Inter Miami atop the MLS standings with 24 points through 12 games.

Is Messi on track to break any full-season records?

The Argentine was already on pace to match Carlos Vela’s mark for most goal contributions in a single season before the game. With Saturday’s assist explosion, he’s now exceeding that pace.

Source: online

BDST: 1147 HRS, MAY 05, 2024
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