Messi's Miami Magic Propels Inter Into CCC Quarters

In a performance befitting his legendary status, Lionel Messi propelled Inter Miami into the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals with a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over Nashville SC on Wednesday night.

The 36-year-old Argentine maestro wasted no time making his mark, earning a free kick just four minutes in after a foul by Nashville’s Aníbal Godoy. Though his attempt was blocked, Messi quickly seized another opportunity, slicing open the defense with an inch-perfect pass to Luis Suárez, who buried the chance to give Miami an early 1-0 lead.

Not content just to be the provider, Messi then turned scorer in sublime fashion in the 22nd minute. Receiving a pass from Diego Gómez, he calmly stroked the ball past the helpless Nashville keeper from inside the area as chants of his name reverberated around the stadium.

The two superstars combined again shortly after the hour mark, with Suárez whipping in a delicious cross that Robert Taylor met with a powerful header to extend Miami’s aggregate lead to 3-0 over the two legs.

Though Nashville pulled one back late through Sam Surridge, there was no denying Miami’s superiority on a night when their talisman was at his devastating best.

“Leo has a muscle overload in his right leg, so we didn’t want to risk him for too long after halftime,” explained Inter coach Gerardo Martino on why Messi was substituted in the 50th minute. “But he still made a huge impact.”

Indeed, the brace made it four straight games with a goal for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, taking his season tallies to an impressive five goals and four assists in just five appearances for his new club.

Martino and Miami will now turn their attention to the CCC quarterfinals in early April, with the winner of the Monterrey-Cincinnati tie lying in wait. Before that, Messi is expected to link up with Argentina for a pair of friendlies as the world champions prepare to defend their Copa America crown this summer.

For Nashville coach Gary Smith, who has now faced Messi on four occasions since his high-profile move to MLS last year, Wednesday provided the latest reminder of the little genius’ enduring match-winning quality.

“It’s a never-ending conundrum,” Smith admitted before the game. “You try to set up to limit what he can do. But he’s proved throughout his career that no matter how good you are defensively, that caliber of individual will always find a way.”

On this occasion, Messi’s maverick brilliance proved to be the difference yet again, leaving Nashville - and the rest of MLS - spellbound by his magical skills. The Miami icon rolls on.