WATCH: Lionel Messi scores a ‘stunner’ from outside the box against Sporting KC as Inter Miami take pole position in Eastern Conference

Messi was firing on all cylinders vs. Sporting KC on Saturday night.

WATCH: Lionel Messi scores a ‘stunner’ from outside the box against Sporting KC as Inter Miami take pole position in Eastern Conference

Lionel Messi scored a banger to put Miami 2-1 ahead of Sporting KC (Via X/@InterMiamiCF)

Lionel Messi is back with a bang. The Inter Miami captain, following an embarrassing exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup responded sublimely in his very next game. The Argentine came under criticism following Miami’s 5-2 elimination against Monterrey on aggregate. Messi headlined all stories, thanks to his bullet of a strike in Miami’s 2-3 win against Sporting KC.

The Argentine No.10’s wand of a left foot was in full swing and firing on all cylinders on Saturday night. The 36-year-old’s wrath came down on the hosts in the 51st minute, when Messi picked up the ball far from range. As elegant as always, Messi took a simple touch before expertly finding the top right corner. His shot was so well placed that even a Timothy Melia in full stretch couldn’t get his hands on it.

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The crowd erupted into a sea of cheers as teammates crowded the player. Scoring what probably is his best goal of the season yet, fans are hoping that the player can continue this momentum throughout the season.

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Following his praiseworthy performance against Sporting KC, Messi has now racked up 5 goals and as many assists in his last five games.

Miami clinch top spot in Eastern Conference in front of record crowd!

A record 72,610 fans flocked to the Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday night to witness Lionel Messi and co. ascend to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference. A goal and an assist for Miami’s captain Lionel Messi comfortably placed him as the best player on the pitch after a rather disappointing evening vs Monterrey. The game spurted to life in the sixth minute, when Erik Thommy found the far post from outside the box.

Leo Messi and Jordi Alba
Lionel Messi both scored and set up another goal to lead Inter Miami to 2-3 win over Sporting KC (Via X/@InterMiamiCF)

Miami’s defensive weaknesses were laid bare in the build-up to the first goal of the game. Lionel Messi then manufactured an unbelievable assist for Diego Gomez, when the latter threaded an inch-perfect pass for his teammate. Gomez made no mistake to blast his shot past the opposition keeper. Messi then gave the visitors the lead through his long-ranger before Sporting drew level from a commendable volley.

As the game hung in the balance, up stepped Luis Suarez to deal heartbreak for the hosts. The Uruguayan striker comfortably tapped the ball in at the far post as the Sporting keeper struggled to cover ground. 2-3 read the final score as Messi and co. now sit atop the table in the MLS Eastern Conference. Up next, they take on Nashville before facing New England.

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