Inter Miami 2-1 Nashville: Messi the hero with 69th free kick and gift from goalkeeper

Lionel Messi continued his assault in the MLS leading Inter Miami CF to a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC at home

The Argentine superstar scored twice, including a stunning free kick to thrill fans in South Florida.

Messi open the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark free kick from just outside the penalty area.

He curving the ball below the wall and into the corner, demonstrating his unparalleled set-piece mastery, a skill that has seen him net 69 career free kicks.

This early strike set the tone, and Inter Miami went to the break with a 1-0 lead.

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The second half brought a twist when Nashville's Hany Mukhtar, the 2022 MLS MVP, equalized for his side in the 49th minute to level the score at 1-1.

However, Messi was not to be denied and in the 62nd minute, he pounced on a goalkeeping error, clinically finishing to restore Inter Miami's lead and secure the winner.

The victory was important keeping Inter Miami atop the Eastern Conference standings.

The Argentine has been in fine form since Inter Miami were knocked out of the Club World Cup as he demonstrated with a recreation of Ankara Messi against Montreal.