New England Revolution manager Caleb Porter was left stunned by what Lionel Messi did for Inter Miami last night at Gillette Stadium.
The Argentine international was at his brilliant best once again as Messi scored a brace and assisted another two in what was to be a 4-1 win for Inter Miami, extending their lead at the top of the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings.
With Messi breaking yet another record in the process, it was a fantastic night for the 36-year-old and for Inter Miami, who again sent a clear message out to MLS that they are here to create history in the regular season.
And Porter was stunned by what he saw from Messi on the night for Inter Miami.
Porter lauds Messi’s ability to score goals ‘out of nowhere’ vs New England
Speaking to the Miami Herald, Porter was full of praise for Messi for his ability to score goals seemingly out of nowhere, with the 36-year-old doing just that on Saturday against New England.
Messi being handed space to cause rival teams damage has been a big talking point this season, with the Argentine thriving in a recent game against Sporting Kansas City due to this exact problem for opponents.
And even when teams set up to mark Messi, MLS defenders still have no chance of stopping the Argentine, who is finding it way too easy to create magic and to inspire the Herons to victory.
Porter said: “We felt pretty good about our defending, we were limiting their effectiveness in creating clear chances, but that’s Messi, he finds two goals out of nowhere and it exposes you.”
MLS defenders still have no clue how to stop Inter Miami with Messi
The Herons are easily the best team in MLS this season with Messi now fit and healthy and back to his best after a frustrating start to the season that saw the forward struggle with injuries.
And this year is showing that opposing players and teams still have no clue how to stop Inter Miami when Messi is on the pitch, with the attacker making a mockery out of the league with his weekly performances.
Indeed, Inter Miami could make MLS look like a walk in the park if defenders don’t clock on on how to stop Messi, who come the end of the season could have secured MLS Cup in record-breaking style.