Lionel Messi opened his account for the new season with Inter Miami, scoring twice in Monday morning’s match against Orlando City.
The Flea’s season had started very poorly, with the reigning MLS champions suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC a few days prior.
Things looked disastrous for Javier Mascherano’s team after Orlando City took a 2-0 lead within the first 45 minutes of the second-round match.
At halftime, Orlando coach Oscar Pareja approached Messi and muttered something that apparently displeased the 36-year-old and provoked his anger.
Pareja and his team paid dearly for this in the second half, as Messi scored two goals, and Inter Miami netted a total of four, securing their first-ever three points at Inter & Co Stadium.
After scoring his fourth goal from the penalty spot, Messi went to the Orlando Pirates’ bench and made an autograph gesture, asking coach Pareja if he wanted an autograph.
With this brace, Messi reached 898 career goals.
Messi’s first goal came from a free kick, bringing his total to 70 free-kick goals and equaling the record held by Brazilian legend Pelé.
Lionel Messi is now just seven goals away from equaling the all-time leading free-kick scorer, Brazilian Juninho.
