Lionel Messi laid on two assists to help Inter Miami beat MLS champions Los Angeles FC 3-1 at BMO Stadium. Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba and Leonardo Campana scored to cancel out Ryan Hollingshead’s effort for the hosts.
The statement victory against last season’s MLS Cup winners puts Miami nine points shy of the play-offs with nine games to play. Since Messi, 36, made his debut on 22 July, Inter Miami have won the Leagues Cup and are unbeaten in 11 fixtures.
The Argentine World Cup winner has scored 11 goals and chipped in with five assists in 11 appearances across all competitions. Inter Miami return to the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale for their next match against Sporting Kansas City on 10 September.