Messi, Súarez score twice as Miami routs Orlando 5-0
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 3, (AP): The scoring artistry that Lionel Messi and Luis Súarez showcased often during their six years in Barcelona was on full display again Saturday. Inter Miami hopes it’s a sign of repeated performances.
Messi and Súarez scored two goals each and Inter Miami routed Orlando City 5-0, the largest victory margin in team history.
Messi had consecutive goals during a quick span early in the second half. It was his first two-goal game in MLS action.
The 37-year-old Súarez became the latest ex-Barcelona teammate to join Messi at Inter Miami and made an immediate impact in his third MLS match. Suárez also had two assists.
“He knows everything about me, and I think we will continue to do so,” Suárez said of excelling with Messi again. Former Barcelona stars and Messi teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also are in their first full MLS season with Inter Miami after joining Messi last summer.
“Those guys aren’t here to put their feet up,” Julian Gressel said. “We’ve seen it over the last few weeks. They’re trying to do everything for the team to win. Tonight is a really good example of that.”
With a prolific career that has resulted in 381 club goals over 19 seasons, Suárez scored his first two in the MLS within a seven-minute sequence early in the first half.
“We know what Luis is capable of,” Messi told Apple TV after the match.
Robert Taylor scored the fifth goal and Gressel had two assists for Inter Miami (2-0-1, 7 points), which is unbeaten through three games for the first time in club history. Orlando City dropped to 0-1-1.
SOCCER
Inter Miami fans were barely settling in when Suárez struck four minutes into the match. Messi initiated the strike as his long pass found an open Gressel on the right wing. Gressel then centered to an open Suárez, who onetimed a shot inside the right post.
“The first goal, that changes the whole game, doesn’t it?” Messi said.
The combination of Gressel and Suárez clicked again seven minutes later. From the left wing, Gressel sent another crossing pass to Suárez. Suárez beat defender Wilder Cartagena to the ball, dribbled into the large area and converted past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from 12 yards.
Suárez turned distributor for Taylor’s goal in the 29th minute. Suárez’s cross from the right wing found an open Taylor against an unsuccessful offside trap by the Orlando City backline. Taylor tapped in a 15-yard shot.
“I try my best every time I’m out on the pitch,” Suárez said. “Today we did a really good job and I hope the Miami fans are happy.”