WHAT KLJESTAN SAID
MLS legend Kljestan has said on the division’s official website of why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner should have domestic rivals running scared: “Lionel Messi was the star of the show (again) after his two-goal, one assist performance. It’s pretty fun to watch this GOAT play, especially when he’s had a whole week to prepare. A healthy and rested Messi = a nightmare for the opposition.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi is up to nine goals for Inter Miami through as many appearances this season. He appears to be over the fitness issues that stunted his progress throughout March, with the evergreen 36-year-old now in the process of chasing down major honours once more.
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Inter Miami have risen to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference. There is still a long way to go in the 2024 campaign, which will be broken up by Copa America duty for Messi and Co, but the Herons will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to the New England Revolution.