Lionel Messi extended his remarkable scoring streak in Major League Soccer on Saturday night, netting two goals for the fifth consecutive match to guide Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC.

Just days after becoming the first player in MLS history to score multiple goals in four consecutive games, the Argentine icon did it again, helping Miami continue their ascent up the Eastern Conference standings following their break for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark left-footed free-kick, curling the ball expertly through a narrow gap in the defensive wall and beyond goalkeeper Joe Willis.

Although Inter Miami dominated the opening 45 minutes, Nashville drew level just four minutes into the second half through a Hany Mukhtar header.

However, Messi restored Miami’s lead in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a calamitous error from Willis, who misjudged a pass and inadvertently set up the Argentine to slot home his second.

The brace comes just three days after Messi struck twice in a 2-1 win over New England Revolution, bringing his season tally to 16 goals in 16 appearances, now level with Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who was unable to add to his own total on the night.

Mascherano: “He Shows Us the Way”
Speaking after the win, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano lavished praise on his former international team-mate:

“There are not many words. It’s incredible what he keeps doing, breaking records now every three days – not even every weekend,” Mascherano said.
“He is the standard-bearer of our team. He shows us the way to compete. He is the leader. It’s a blessing for me to accompany this stage of his career.”

Miami Climbing the Table
Saturday’s fixture marked Miami’s third match since returning from their Club World Cup campaign, which ended in the last 16 following elimination by Paris Saint-Germain.

With the victory, Inter Miami now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference on 38 points from 19 matches, trailing leaders Philadelphia Union by five points but with three games in hand.

Philadelphia rose to the summit following a 2-0 victory over New York Red Bulls, with goals from Indiana Vassilev and Bruno Damiani. Meanwhile, Cincinnati slipped to second place on 42 points after a 4-2 defeat against Columbus Crew. Nashville and Columbus both trail closely behind on 41 points.

Fixture Congestion Raises Rest Concerns for Messi
Inter Miami’s hectic schedule continues with a midweek clash against Cincinnati, followed by a weekend fixture against New York Red Bulls.

Mascherano acknowledged the challenge of managing the fitness of the 38-year-old Messi, whose workload continues to grow:

“At some point, we are going to have to find a space to give him some rest,” he said.
“We’ll discuss it day by day. He’s feeling good and, when we think the time is right, we’ll rest him.”