The Argentine was on fire as Miami obliterated their opposition
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Inter Miami defeat C.D. Olimpia in penultimate preseason match undefeated through start of preseasonLionel Messi scores and assistsGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAFPTELL ME MORE
Inter Miami defeated Honduran side C.D. Olimpia 5-0 in a preseason friendly Saturday evening, with Lionel Messi bagging a goal and an assist en route to victory.
The Argentine opened the scoring himself midway through the first half, tapping home after a splendid through ball found the run of Suarez, who then fed Messi to tap home for a simple opener. The two longtime friends celebrated with a quick embrace, while those in attendance cheered on the ex-Barcelona duo for their effort.
Shortly thereafter, U.S. international Benjamin Cremaschi was introduced as a 37th-minute substitute for David Ruiz, with the 19-year-old getting some crucial preseason minutes ahead of the upcoming campaign. Then, the floodgates opened.
Federico Redondo added a second goal for Miami in the 44th minute, while a third arrived in first-half stoppage time just 90 seconds later.
Messi dribbled past two defenders and the goalkeeper before cutting back and putting the ball on a platter for defender Noah Allen, who tapped home to make it 3-0 at the half.
Just eight minutes into the second half, they added a fourth after Cremaschi found Suarez in the box, with the Uruguayan nutmegging the goalkeeper for his second goal contribution of the match. A fifth then arrived just over 25 minutes later, with defender Ryan Sailor joining the scoresheet off a Leo Afonso assist.
With five goals on the evening, the South Beach club won in dominating fashion, continuing their undefeated start to their preseason tour.
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Inter Miami's competitive campaign begins ahead of the MLS season, with a two-legged affair against fellow MLS side Sporting Kansas City on the cards beginning Feb. 18 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The second leg takes place on Feb. 25. Miami kicks off its regular season against NYCFC on Feb. 22.
Getty Images SportTHE MVP
Lionel Messi:
It's a tale old as time — a maestro performance from the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
He orchestrated everything in the final third, scoring and assisting before the halftime whistle. He impressed in every aspect and made it look easy at the same time. Most importantly, though, he wasn't selfish — he played the game with his team, not just with the tip of his boot.
That's the sort of trait that will lead this team to new heights if this trend continues.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Javier Mascherano:
Understandably, Miami destroyed Olimpia in every aspect of the game itself. However, it felt like mismanagement from the new boss.
The pitch itself was in a horrible state, with clumps of grass flying up every few seconds regardless of what was happening. With a 3-0 lead at the break, there was absolutely zero reason to keep Messi and Suarez on the pitch — even with it being preseason and them building up fitness. It felt reckless, and these are moments where veteran managers would likely show more experience by taking them off and ensuring their health heading into the start of the season.
The duo was eventually removed with around 30 minutes to play, but it felt like a risk for the club.
