Lionel Messi scores 2 for Miami again as he inspires team to victory over Orlando

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi notched the second brace of his MLS career with two goals against Orlando City SC, leading his team to a 3-1 victory in the 2023 Leagues Cup game on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know:

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Messi’s continued brilliance

At this point can it even really be considered a surprise that Messi scored? Three games into his Inter Miami tenure and five goals. The early finish against Orlando City might have been his easiest yet.

Robert Taylor — who has become a star playing alongside Messi — chipped a beautiful pass into the box to an unmarked Messi, who took it off his chest and volleyed home from six yards out. Taylor, who scored three goals with three assists in 33 games last season and added another two goals and four assists in 19 appearances this season before Messi arrived, now has three goals and two assists in two-plus games playing alongside Messi.

Perhaps as notable as the goal, however, was that Messi picked up a yellow card in the 21st minute for a harsh foul on Orlando City’s Wilder Cartagena, who had been man-marking him closely in the lead up to the foul. The frustration clearly built up enough for Messi to take a hack at Cartagena’s legs near midfield that drew the caution. — Tenorio

Required reading

(Photo: Hector Vivas / Getty Images)