Inter Miami 2-0 Real Salt Lake: Messi the creator as Inter win season opener

Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in both goals as Inter Miami commenced the new Major League Soccer season with a triumphant 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Messi, the Argentine World Cup winner, showcased his exceptional skills and put to rest any doubts about his fitness with an outstanding performance for the favored team, according to coach Gerardo Martino.

Despite missing the latter part of the previous season and part of the pre-season due to injuries,

Messi appeared relaxed, in great form, and displayed impressive speed throughout the entire game.

Alongside debutant Luis Suarez, midfielder Sergio Busquets, and left-back Jordi Alba, who were all part of Miami's former Barcelona quartet, Messi started the match in front of a packed stadium.

Facing a cautious Salt Lake side, Messi came close to scoring in the 18th minute with a brilliant curling free-kick from 30 yards out, only to be denied by Justen Glad's goal-line clearance.

Later, he delighted the crowd by skillfully maneuvering past a player on the ground and attempting a shot, which unfortunately got blocked.

However, Miami took the lead when Busquets found Messi, who cleverly slipped the ball through to Finnish forward Robert Taylor. Taylor's low shot beat RSL keeper Zac MacMath, despite the goalkeeper's missed opportunity to save it.

This goal forced the visitors to adopt a more attacking approach in the second half, causing Inter some difficulties.

Salt Lake missed a golden opportunity when Cristian Arango sent a half-chance soaring over the crossbar.

Shortly after, Busquets carelessly gave away possession, allowing Andres Gomez to surge towards the goal, but the Colombian winger's shot missed the target.

During the early stages of the second half, Miami struggled, providing ample space for the Utah side. However, their lack of precision proved costly.

Recognizing the need for more goals to secure the victory, Messi increased his work rate and took control of the game. He dropped deeper to collect the ball, launching numerous attacks with his trademark close control and swift bursts forward.

In one instance, the 36-year-old skillfully maneuvered down the inside left channel, creating space for a cross to Julian Gressel at the back post. Unfortunately, the German's effort from the tight angle went wide.

Messi then burst forward again from a deeper position, finding Suarez who, in turn, located Diego Gomez. The Paraguayan midfielder calmly slotted his shot into the far corner, extending the lead to 2-0.

The trio of Messi, Gomez, and Suarez almost combined once more for a third goal. Messi slipped the ball to Gomez, who then set up Suarez, but the Uruguayan's attempt was saved by MacMath's outstretched leg.

Martino expressed his delight at seeing two of the less noted members of his team score. According to him, it is a positive thing that Robert and Diego converted the goals, while Messi and Suarez assisted.

The experienced coach, who had worked with Messi and Suarez at Barcelona, believed that they could bring back the magic they once had.

He acknowledged their strong partnership but emphasized the need to recreate the successful teamwork they had at the Camp Nou.

For Taylor, who had a successful period after Messi joined the club and contributed to winning the Leagues Cup, it was a promising start to the season.

Although there are still aspects that need improvement, Taylor focused on the three points gained and expressed determination to build upon this performance. Inter Miami's next match will be against Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday.