ESPN.com · Jul 26, 2023
Lionel Messi scores two first-half goals in first Miami start
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets were both named in Inter Miami CF's starting lineup on Tuesday night for the first time since joining the MLS side.
And it didn't take long for the former Barcelona teammates to make an impact, with Busquets lofting a perfect ball over Atlanta's defense to Messi, who missed with his first attempt but put back the rebound from his own shot to give Miami a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute.
Messi then added another goal on a counter-attack in the 22nd minute to double the lead with an assist from Robert Taylor, who scored Miami's third to give the team a 3-0 lead at half-time.
MESSI SCORES IN THE 8TH MINUTE FOR INTER MIAMI \ud83d\udd25