Lionel Messi "baited" Atlanta United in a genius tactic in a glorious first start for Inter Miami on Tuesday night.
After curling in a sensational 94th minute free-kick winner on his debut, Messi was back at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and ready to produce more magic.
Wearing the captain's armband, Messi made his first appearance from the off for Gerardo Martino's side and did not disappoint.
The 36-year-old bagged a brace in the opening 22 minutes, linking up sublimely with the likes of Sergio Busquets, Josef Martinez and Robert Taylor, who assisted his second strike with a cut-back from the left.
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The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner returned the favour in the second half though, supplying a through ball for Finland international Taylor to run onto and notch his second of the game and complete the 4-0 trouncing.
Wayne Rooney has said that Messi wouldn't find it easy but this performance would suggest otherwise as the Argentine sensation ran the show.
Throughout his 78 minutes on the pitch, there was mass confusion amongst the Atlanta defenders. With Messi doing his usual trick of strolling around - almost cheating - and then coming alive, the opposition were struggling to work out how to handle it.
There is always the urge to man-mark Messi and nullify him but if you do that, other players can benefit from more space and freedom.
Former United States international Maurice Edu summed it up perfectly and explained the problems MLS sides are going to have to contend with.
"I think it's difficult from an Atlanta United standpoint," he said at half-time on Apple TV.
"Trying to play a little bit of a mid-block at times, also trying to find their moments when they can get pressure to the ball, Busquets, but they’re chasing the game so much that it’s hard.
"The movement off the ball from Messi, at times he’s just walking into spaces. So he’s baiting you - do you go with him, do you try and pass him off? That communication isn’t there, you’re going to get punished and we’ve seen that in the first half."
Throw another new signing in Jordi Alba into the mix and another threat arrives from the left.
Messi and Inter have now advanced to the Leagues Cup round of 32 and will take on Orlando City, Houston Dynamo or Santos Laguna in the net phase.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, MLS, Inter Miami, David Beckham, Sergio Busquets
Josh Lawless