Two strikes from close range by the 36-year-old assisted his team in advancing to the tournament’s round of 16.Miami had gone 11 games without a victory until Messi joined the team, but they have since won three straight games.
Jordi Alba, a former Barcelona teammate of Messi’s, made his Miami debut in the 64th minute.
Sergio Busquets, the pair’s former Camp Nou teammate, has also relocated to Florida, and Tata Martino, a former manager of both Barcelona and Argentina, has taken over in Phil Neville’s place.
DeAndre Yedlin, a teammate of Messi’s and a former defender for Newcastle, thinks the Argentine inspires “fear” in his adversaries.
“He merely exudes confidence to everyone in his vicinity. Yedlin stated following the game, “You can give him balls in tricky situations and know he’s going to create something out of it.
“On the other hand, it causes a little bit of dread in the eyes of the opponents we’re playing against. They are somewhat stepping back, which allows us more room to maneuver.
In the Leagues Cup, which began in 2019 and features teams from the United States and Mexico competing in a knockout style, David Beckham-owned Miami will next face FC Dallas in Texas on Sunday for a berth in the quarterfinals.
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