Inter Miami Defeats Orlando Metropolis 5-0; Messi, Suarez Score Twice: NBC 6 South Florida | Neefina News

Lionel Messi and Luis Súarez once again exhibited their remarkable scoring talents on Saturday, an act typical of their six-year tenure at Barcelona. Inter Miami ecstatically anticipates similar future performances.

Both Messi and Súarez netted two goals each, leading Inter Miami to a crushing 5-0 defeat over Orlando City. This result marks the team’s largest victory margin in its history.

Early in the second half, Messi skillfully netted two consecutive goals, marking his first double-goal performance in the MLS.

Súarez, 37, recently joined Messi at Inter Miami after leaving Barcelona. His impact was immediately felt in his third MLS appearance, in which he scored twice and also provided two assists.

“We’re familiar about our skills and we will keep showing that,” said Suáarez about his successful reunion with Messi. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, fellow ex-Barcelona stars who joined Messi last summer, are also experiencing their inaugural full MLS season with Inter Miami.

“They aren’t here for a vacation,” declared teammate Julian Gressel. “As we have seen in recent weeks, they are wholly dedicated to the team’s success, as clearly demonstrated tonight.”

Boasting an impressive career of 381 goals in 19 seasons, Suáarez scored his first two MLS goals in a quick succession in the first half.

After the match, Messi told Apple TV, “We all know the kind of player Luis is.”

Inter Miami, with a standing of 2-0-1 and 7 points, is unbeaten in its first three games, a club-record start. Conversely, Orlando City now sits at 0-1-1.

The first goal came barely four minutes into the match, with Suárez effortlessly dispatching Messi’s long pass from the right wing.

“The first goal can certainly change the game dynamics,” Messi reflected.

Suárez turned provider for the fifth goal scored by Robert Taylor. His right-wing cross found an open Taylor who calmly slotted a 15-yard shot past Orlando’s offside trap.

Taylor commented, “I strive to give my all in every game. Today we performed exceptionally well and I trust that our Miami fans can appreciate that.”

Messi netted his first in the 57th minute, tapping in Suárez’s deflected shot. His second goal came five minutes later, heading in a perfect cross from Suárez.

Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Inter Miami coach, praised the team’s performance, “Everyone performed superbly. Suárez was particularly outstanding with his goals and assists. Maintaining the clean sheet is also a crucial achievement.”

After a heated exchange with Orlando players at halftime, Suárez and his teammates began their month-long marathon of seven matches. Messi is also expected to play for Argentina in a two-game exhibition series later this month.

Martino reiterated that Messi’s game time would be closely managed. Despite this, Messi played the entirety of Saturday’s game, while Suárez was substituted during the 67th minute.

“This is only the beginning of a long journey,” Messi remarked optimistically.

In addition to five domestic matches, Inter Miami will clash with Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Nations Cup round of 16. Ahead of the Copa America this summer, Argentina is scheduled to play El Salvador on March 22 and Costa Rica on March 26.

“We are in high spirit, we are enjoying the game, we are progressing,” Messi added. “Winning today was critical for our growth and should further fortify our resolve for future competitions.”

Just before kick-off, middle referee Guiherme Ceretta was replaced by Jaime Herrera following a potential conflict of interest uncovered from Ceretta’s social media images.