Lionel Messi scored in his third consecutive match for Inter Miami in a 3-1 victory over Orlando City on Wednesday as his Major League Soccer team moved into the final 16 of the Leagues Cup.
Kickoff was delayed by 95 minutes because of a thunderstorm, but once the match got under way, Messi took little time to settle down and opened the scoring in the seventh minute.
The Argentine began his move at the half line and made a run into the box as Robert Taylor chipped the ball over several defenders. Messi then chested down the ball and volleyed home from the edge of the six-yard box.
A win and a spot secured in the next round of the @LeaguesCup ✅???? pic.twitter.com/Rp9GnH7W6q
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2023
It was Messi’s fifth goal in three games, after he scored against Cruz Azul and Atlanta United in the group stage of the tournament.
Miami will next face FC Dallas, who beat Mexican side Mazatlan 2-1.