Lionel Messi assists Inter Miami back into win column against Revolution

In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende each scored two goals to help host Inter Miami defeat the New England Revolution 4-1.

Inter Miami (17-7-8, 59 points) moved into third place in the Eastern Conference’s Major League Soccer (MLS) standings after breaking a two-game winless streak with a victory on Saturday night. Miami is now three points clear of FC Cincinnati for second place with two games left. Cincinnati still has one match left.

The Revolution fell short of expectations for the fifth time in their previous six games when Dor Turgeman scored the only goal (9-16-8, 35 points).

Lionel Messi, the star of Inter Miami, did not score for the second consecutive game, but he did so by contributing with three goals.

In the 32nd minute, Messi delivered a precise through ball to Allende, who fired the ball past New England goalkeeper Matt Turner on the first goal after a torrential downspout late in the first half.

Just before half-time, Messi slammed New England’s near-to-own goal as he intercepted a clearing attempt. In the third minute of first-half stoppage time, he dropped it back for Alba, who then proceeded to bury it in the back of the net.

On a brilliant shot by Turgeman after taking the ball just past midfield from Carles Gil, The Revolution reclaimed the lead in the 59th minute. The lead was 2-1 when Turgeman worked a line drive past Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo as he cut the deficit.

Oscar Ustari, who allowed a season-high five goals last Tuesday in a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Fire, started for Inter Miami’s regular starting keeper Rios Novo.

Inter Miami responded almost right away. Allende scurried toward the goal and finished off another assist from Messi in less than a minute as a rush up the field came to an end.

After receiving a fantastic pass from Telasco Segovia, Alba added another score.