NEW DELHI:
Inter Miami
thrashed
Orlando City
5-0 in
Major League Soccer
on Saturday.
Lionel Messi
and
Luis Suarez
were the stars of the match, both scoring two goals each.
Orlando, who finished second in the Eastern Conference last season, were no match for Miami's superior performance.
Suarez, who had struggled with form and fitness in his first two games, silenced any doubts about his abilities with his remarkable performance.
Messi expressed his delight for Suarez, saying, "We were calm anyway, we know what Luis is and what he is capable of doing and everyone knows it. He is like that, when you least expect it he solves a game for you like he did today, with the goals and the assists."
Suarez wasted no time in making an impact, scoring his first goal for Miami just four minutes into the game. It was a powerful first-time shot from a low cross by Julian Gressel. He then doubled his tally in the 11th minute with another well-taken goal, assisted by Gressel.
Miami continued to dominate the match, with Robert Taylor adding a third goal in the 29th minute after an excellent pass from Gressel.
Messi also showcased his skills, hitting the upright with a curling free-kick and providing an exquisite through ball to Suarez, who found the back of the net. However, his hat-trick celebration was cut short by an offside flag.
Orlando came out aggressively in the second half, but their efforts were in vain as Miami maintained control. Messi came close to scoring in the 54th minute, and Gressel struck the bar after a clever exchange with Suarez.
Miami's left-back Jordi Alba played a crucial role in the fourth goal, combining with Suarez before the ball deflected off Orlando captain Robin Jansson and into the path of Messi, who finished with ease.
Suarez, determined to complete his hat-trick, set up Messi for the fifth and final goal of the match. With a perfectly weighted left-foot cross, Suarez found Messi at the back post, and the Argentine headed the ball into the far corner.
Suarez was substituted in the 67th minute, receiving applause for his outstanding performance.
With seven points from their first three games, Miami is off to a strong start in the season.
Messi expressed his optimism about the team's progress, saying, "We're doing well, we're enjoying it, we're growing. Today was an important match to win, to continue on this path of growth and this has to make us very strong for everything that's to come. It's important to get off to a good start, especially in the first few games."
In other MLS matches, defending champions Columbus Crew drew 1-1 with Minnesota United, while Los Angeles FC suffered a 3-0 defeat against Real Salt Lake in snowy conditions.
(With inputs from AFP)
English (US) ·