Lionel Messi and Robert Taylor both scored twice and assisted each other during Tuesday night’s League Cup match against Atlanta United.
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Robert Taylor and Lionel Messi both scored two goal each in Messi’s first start for Inter Miami. Image: STELLA Pictures/ddp/abaca press
26.7 11:20•Updated 26.7 11:21
Football superstar from Argentina, Lionel Messi, and Finnish winger Robert Taylor, were on fire during Tuesday night’s League Cup match, part of a tournament including professional teams from the US, Canada and Mexico.
The duo showcased their chemistry leading Inter Miami to a 4-0 win over Atlanta United, with Taylor and Messi both scoring twice and assisting each other’s goals. Taylor also plays for the Finnish national team.
The match was Messi’s second for Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami and his first appearance as a starter since making the move to the United States.
Messi opened the scoring for Inter in the game’s eighth minute, unassisted by Taylor. The Argentinian’s second goal was scored from a centring pass by Taylor.
The last two goals of the match were both scored by Taylor. His first goal came in the 43rd minute of play after Messi passed the ball to teammate Benjamin Cremaschi who then fed the ball to Taylor for a score.
The final score came in minute 53 of the match when Messi sent Taylor a breakaway pass that the Finn hit off the far-side post for a goal. Messi and Taylor then celebrated with a joyous embrace.
Towards the end of the match, Miami’s power duo was substituted. Messi after 78 minutes and Taylor after 83 minutes.
In his two matches at Inter Miami, Messi has scored three goals.
The Finnish player has likely welcomed Messi’s arrival, as Taylor has scored three times since the famous Argentinian joined the team. Prior to Messi’s debut, Taylor had scored twice during the entire MLS season.
Robert Taylor is not the only member of the Finnish national team playing in the MLS, as Teemu Pukki signed with Minnesota United earlier this year.