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Football fans on social media have praised Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi for his excellent performance against Nashville on Saturday, April 20. The Herons defeated the Coyotes 3-1 in a Major League Soccer encounter at the Chase Stadium in Miami on the back of a Messi brace.
La Pulga brought Miami level in the 11th minute, sliding the ball into an empty, after Franco Negri's second-minute own-goal gave Nashville the lead. He then assisted Sergio Busquets, who headed his corner home at the near-post to make it 2-1 six minutes before half-time.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner doubled his tally in the 81st minute, scoring from the spot to seal the match for Miami.
After the match, fans on X (formerly Twitter) praised Lionel Messi for his brilliant display. One of them stated that he was getting ready for the summer's Copa America, set to begin on June 21, and wrote:
"The GOAT is ready for Copa America 🐐🔥🔥"
Popular page, @AlbicelesteTalk, posted Messi's stats from the season so far:
"Leo Messi has 14 G/A in 9 games this season ✨🐙"
Another fan also alluded to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's preparations for the Copa America, tweeting:
"Unreal form coming into Copa America 😍"
Here are a few more tweets from fans:
Apart from playing his part in all three goals, Lionel Messi hit the woodwork once, created two big chances and recorded two key passes. He also completed 86% of his 37 passes and three dribbles.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami address slide, move back atop MLS' Eastern Conference with win over Nashville
Inter Miami haven't been in the greatest of form in recent weeks. They endured a five-match winless run between March 23 and April 11, with Lionel Messi missing the first three of those fixtures. His return couldn't stop their slide, with a 3-1 defeat at Monterrey on April 11 sending them out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
However, the Herons have since won two league matches in a row, with Messi performing admirably in both. He scored and assisted a goal each in their 3-2 win over Sporting KC last weekend and went one better against Nashville on Saturday.
Victory over the Coyotes lifted Tata Martino's side back to the top of the Eastern Conference with 18 points from 10 matches. Inter Miami are two head of the NY Red Bulls, who have a game in hand.
Next up, Lionel Messi and Co. will take on the New England Revolution, who sit bottom of the conference, on April 27.
