Former Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez proved themselves decisive in getting Inter Miami’s playoff campaign up and running in positive fashion in the early hours of Saturday.
The former secured for himself a brace, with attacking partner Suárez having laid on the assist for Messi’s opener.
Check out footage of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s fine header below:
Messi was then back at it again deep into injury time, to guide Inter Miami into a three-goal lead.
Pouncing on a loose ball in the Nashville penalty area, the 38-year-old – fresh off signing a new contract in Florida – kept alive a remarkable recent stretch of form in front of goal:
Visitors Nashville did manage to provide themselves with a glimmer of hope of a comeback in the tie’s upcoming return leg late on.
This came upon Hany Mukhtar bending home a superb free-kick in the game’s dying moments.
Inter Miami will make the trip to Geodis Park in a week’s time in possession of a 3-1 aggregate advantage.
Conor Laird – GSFN
