Lionel Messi stole the show at the BMO Stadium as Inter Miami saw off MLS champions, Los Angeles, in MLS clash with a comfortable 3-1 win.
After a disappointing draw against Nashville in their last MLS game, Lionel Messi was back to his game in front of a sold-out BMO Stadium against Los Angeles.
The Argentina 2022 World Cup legend did not find the back of the net against Los Angeles, but provided two big assists that made the difference for the Leagues Cup champions.
His first assist came in the 51st minute when he found his former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, in Los Angeles box and fed him with a ripping pass.
Alba latched on the through-ball and fired it into the net for Inter Miami’s second goal.
After Jordi Alba’s goal, Messi produced another magical display. Picking the ball from the halfway line following a defensive blunder by Los Angeles last-man, Messi paced with speed close to Los Angeles box.
Acousted with two players, who ran up to clear the ball, Messi chose to pass the ball to unmarked Campona, who only had Los Angeles goalkeeper, McCathy to beat.
Campona slotted it home with a low left-foot strike to put the game beyond the hosts with a 3-0 scoreline.
The resurgent MLS side ran out with a 3-1 win after the final whistle with Messi’s double assist.
Lionel Messi has now failed to score in two consecutive matches for Inter Miami in his 11 appearances for the club but still made the day for the Florida-based club with his brilliant assists.
Inter Miami’s rise has been phenomenal since Messi made his debut for the club. They are unbeaten in 11 consecutive games and have won their first silverware – 2023 Leagues Cup.
Despite being stucked down the table in Eastern Conference, Inter Miami still has a chance of reaching MLS Playoffs.
They are now eight points behind DC United who are occupying the last MLS playoff spot – the 9th position, on the table.
Messi has now bagged eight assists and 11 goals in his 11 games for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard bundles pitch invader in Los Angeles match
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko also made the spotlights after he was seen in a viral footage battling a pitch invader.
The pitch invader, donning a Barcelona jersey, raced into the pitch from the goal area towards Lionel Messi to meet the football icon.
On closing up on Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, ran into the pitch and tried to stop him.
Cheuko grabbed the invader with force and dragged him off Lionel Messi before other security officials came and jacked the invader away.
Futballnews understands Yassine Cheuko, who is a former US Naval man, has been contracted by David Beckham, to guard Lionel Messi. He has been seen following Messi to everywhere he goes and stays off him only when the Argentine is in action.
