Lionel Messi smashed an MLS record on Saturday night as the Inter Miami star provided five assists in a 6-1 win over the New York Red Bulls.
Messi set up five goals, all in the second half, after Inter Miami headed into the locker room trailing 1-0 at halftime. In addition to his five assists, Messi also had a goal of his own, his 10th of the season.
Three of his five assists were provided to Luis Suarez, who netted his first Inter Miami hat-trick in the win. The other two went to newcomer Matias Rojas, who made one heck of an impression with two goals in just his second appearance.
READ ALSO: Kane scores but Bayern lose at Stuttgart
With his five assists, Messi set the MLS record for most assists in a game. In addition, his six goal involvements also set the record for most goal contributions in a single game.
With Saturday’s explosion, Messi now leads the league in both goals and assists as he sets his sights on more MLS records this campaign. He now has 10 goals on the season alongside his 12 assists, despite playing under 700 MLS minutes.
The Herons are unbeaten in their last four matches and the Argentine has scored in seven-straight matches.
Carlos Vela holds the MLS single-season goal record with 34 goals for LAFC back in 2019, while Messi will also be eyeing Carlos Valderrama’s 26-assist 2000 campaign for the most helpers in a single MLS season.
Having scored 16 goals in the last four matches, all of which were wins, Miami will now travel to Canada for their next MLS match. They’ll visit CF Montreal, who topped the Herons 3-2 back in March without Messi on the field.