Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez Assists Help Inter Miami Beat Real Salt Lake in MLS Opener
Luis Suarez marked his Major League Soccer debut with an assist as Inter Miami kicked off the 2024 season by beating Real Salt Lake 2-0 at Chase Stadium.
Suarez teed up Diego Gomez late in the second half to seal a 2-0 win for the team that finished 14th in last season's Western Conference.
Lionel Messi - who was heavily involved in the build-up to Gomez's goal - also recorded an assist.
Messi set up Robert Taylor for the first goal of the 2024 MLS season 38 minutes and 37 seconds into Wednesday's curtain-raising clash.
Messi turned sharply as he collected a pass from Sergio Busquets before swiftly sliding the ball into Taylor's path.
Taylor then fired a low shot under the body of Salt Lake keeper Zac MacMath, who will be disappointed that he failed to save it.
Messi has now assisted six goals in his first 15 Miami appearances in all competitions, as well as scoring 11 himself.
The 36-year-old had endured a frustrating pre-season plagued by fitness issues but he looked sharp on Wednesday.
Messi dazzled fans just before half-time with a cheeky piece of skill that saw him flick the ball over Andrew Brody while the Salt Lake defender was lying on the ground after hurting his hand.
Fortunately, Brody's injury was not serious and he was able to continue and eventually completed the full 90 minutes.
Messi played the whole match too. He touched the ball 89 times - more than any other player. He also produced more shots (four) and key passes (four) than any of his teammates.
