With a slimmer physique than before, Messi played his best game since the beginning of the year, scoring all three goals. He received a 9.8 rating from Sofacore, the highest in the past year, while no other player was rated above an 8. There were moments when the 37-year-old forward outpaced opponents, a sign that he is gradually regaining his top form, just two months before the Copa America.

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 08:36 (GMT+7), Lionel Messi shone brightly, helping Inter Miami maintain their position at the top of the table. Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami defeated Nashville 3-1 in the 13th round of the MLS 2024 season.

With a slimmer physique than before, Messi played his best game since the beginning of the year, scoring all three goals. He received a 9.8 rating from Sofacore, the highest in the past year, while no other player was rated above an 8. There were moments when the 37-year-old forward outpaced opponents, a sign that he is gradually regaining his top form, just two months before the Copa America.

Messi’s two goals were scored easily but were crucial as Miami found themselves trailing early in the third minute. Eight minutes later, Messi received the ball on the left flank, dribbled into the penalty area, and attempted a low shot, which was parried by goalkeeper Elliot Panicco. Luis Suarez followed up with a shot that hit a defender and bounced perfectly for Messi, who slotted the ball into the empty net with a flick of his foot, equalizing the score at 1-1 for Inter Miami.

Facing the risk of dropping points at home, Messi made his mark once again with a corner kick from the right side in the 39th minute, allowing Sergio Busquets to rise and head the ball into the far corner, increasing the score to 2-1. This was Busquets’ first goal since joining Miami in the summer of 2023.

The home victory was secured in the 80th minute when midfielder Leonardo Afonso was fouled inside Nashville’s penalty area, earning Miami a penalty kick. Messi placed his shot low to the right corner, deceiving goalkeeper Joe Willis and sealing the score at 3-1. This marked the seventh goal for Miami’s captain in six MLS matches this season, propelling him to the top of the Golden Boot race. The Argentine superstar also increased his career tally to 830 goals, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo with 885 goals.

Messi also showcased moments of skill with his right foot, dribbling past opponents and creating two scoring opportunities for his teammates. In the first half, he had a chance to curl a right-footed shot into the far corner from about 16 meters out, but the ball struck the upright and rebounded. Nonetheless, Miami preserved the three points and retained their position at the top of the table after round 13. They will travel to face New England away in the next round, one week from now.