Inter Miami & MLS treated to Lionel Messi rarity as all-time great breaks three-year duck stretching back to last goal for Barcelona

Posted Monday, March 04, 2024 by Goal.com

Inter Miami and MLS have been treated to a Lionel Messi rarity, with the Argentine breaking a three-year goal duck against Orlando City.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner bagged a brace in that contest, as the Herons swept to a 5-0 victory against their Florida neighbours. Ex-Barcelona star Messi has always had a habit of finding the target in 'Clasico' fixtures.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
It came as no surprise to see him hit the net against Orlando, as Luis Suarez opened his MLS account, with the 26-year-old now scoring in back-to-back games at the start of the 2024 campaign. Those in attendance were, however, treated to a Messi novelty.

DID YOU KNOW?
Standing at 5ft 7in tall, Messi has never been renowned for prowess in the air. As a result, he does not tend to score many goals with his head. He did just that, though, versus Orlando – bringing a run stretching back to May 2021 to a close.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi did not score a single goal with his head for Paris Saint-Germain, with his last effort with that part of his body recorded against Celta Vigo – which was also his last of any kind for Barcelona. There may be more to come in the United States, with Inter Miami looking to chase down major silverware on multiple fronts.