Soccer <\/p>\n
By Martin Graham<\/p>\n
Lionel Messi<\/a> continued his outstanding run of form in Major League Soccer on Saturday, scoring twice as Inter Miami<\/a> edged past Nashville<\/a> 2-1 at home. With this performance, Messi became the first player in MLS history to score multiple goals in five consecutive league matches.<\/p>\n The Argentine veteran now shares the top spot in the MLS scoring table with Sam Surridge, both sitting on 16 goals. Messi has reached this tally in just 16 games. His current goal streak began in May with doubles against Montreal<\/a> and Columbus<\/a>, followed by a brief interruption as he represented Inter Miami at the Club World Cup. Since returning, he has delivered three more braces\u2014again against Montreal, then New England Revolution, and now Nashville.<\/p>\n Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark moment of brilliance. Awarded a free-kick outside the penalty area, he fired a low shot that slipped under Nashville\u2019s defensive wall and beat the goalkeeper at the near post, putting Miami ahead early.<\/p>\n The visitors responded early in the second half, with Hany Mukhtar netting an equalizer that briefly reset the match. However, Messi wasn\u2019t done. In the 62nd minute, a misplaced pass from Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis landed directly in Messi\u2019s path. With composure and precision, he punished the error, restoring Miami\u2019s lead with what would ultimately be the match-winner.<\/p>\n This victory keeps Inter Miami in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. However, thanks to three games in hand, they remain well-positioned to challenge for the top spot. Miami is now just five points behind conference leaders Philadelphia, giving them a real opportunity to climb the table if they continue this strong run of form.<\/p>\n Messi\u2019s impact has been vital for Miami\u2019s resurgence. While his output during the Club World Cup was more modest\u2014just one goal in four matches as the team exited in the last 16\u2014his return to league play has reignited the club\u2019s attacking threat and playoff hopes.<\/p>\nSoccer Goals in each half prove decisive<\/h2>\n
Soccer Inter Miami closing in on Conference leaders<\/h2>\n
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n