Messi stuns with solo goal and assist as Inter Miami draw 2-2

Lionel Messi opened his goal account for the new year in spectacular fashion against Barcelona SC. With a little over half-an-hour gone the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner picked up possession a long way out and immediately set off towards the penalty area.

Several yellow shirts blocked his path and, as three defenders closed in at the edge of the box, Messi shifted the ball beyond two of them with the outside of his famous left foot. Without breaking stride he worked a yard of space and whipped a shot back across the face of goal into the corner, leaving keeper Jose Contreras flapping at fresh air.

Inter Miami were pegged back in the 41st minute but restored their lead in first-half stoppage-time when Messi teed up German Berterame. Mascherano made a number of second-half changes, replacing his skipper with Luis Suarez just before the hour mark, and the Herons were unable to see the game out after David Ayala was sent off; Tomas Martinez levelled three minutes from time to ensure a 2-2 finish.

lionel messi, inter miami, barcelona sc, solo goal, assist, german berterame, mascherano, luis suarez, david ayala, tomas martinez