### Messi's Masterclass: Inter Miami Dominates Columbus Crew with 5-1 Victory On June 1, 2025, Lionel Messi showcased his extraordinary talent once again, leading Inter Miami to a resounding 5-1 victory over the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer (MLS). This match marked Messi's fifth goal in just three games, solidifying his role as a pivotal player for Miami. The Herons, who had recently struggled, displayed a revitalized offensive prowess, with Messi contributing significantly to each of the team's goals, including two goals and two assists. ### Breakdown of the Match and Messi's Contributions 1. **Match Overview** - Inter Miami faced Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium, achieving their largest win of the 2025 MLS season. - The team had recently ended a winless streak with a 4-2 victory over CF Montréal just days prior [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/f4a9f27c/inter-miami-5-1-columbus-crew-takeaways-from-another-messi-masterclass]. 2. **Key Player Performances** - **Lionel Messi**: Scored two goals and provided two assists, playing a crucial role in all five of Miami's goals. - **Tadeo Allende**: Opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a goal assisted by Messi. - **Luis Suarez**: Also contributed to the scoreline, further enhancing Miami's attacking display [https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45412914/lionel-messi-goals-inter-miami-columbus-crew-mls-club-world-cup]. 3. **Game Dynamics** - Miami dominated early, taking a 3-0 lead by halftime. - Messi's first goal came after a mistake by Crew goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, showcasing Miami's aggressive approach [https://www.business-standard.com/sports/football-news/messi-s-brilliance-continues-with-2-goals-inter-miami-s-beat-columbus-5-1-125060100086_1.html]. - The Crew struggled defensively, having allowed the first goal in five of their last six matches [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/lionel_messi_has_hand_in_all_5_goals_as_miami_routs_crew/s1_17064_42269052]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Match Statistics**: - **Goals**: Messi (2), Allende (1), Suarez (1), and one additional goal from Miami. - **Assists**: Messi (2), contributing to a total of five goals scored by Miami. - **Shots**: Miami had seven shots on goal in the first 25 minutes, demonstrating their offensive dominance [https://www.latestly.com/quickly/agency-news/sports-news-messis-brilliance-continues-with-2-goals-2-assists-in-inter-miamis-5-1-win-over-columbus-crew-6896823.html]. ### Conclusion: Messi's Impact on Inter Miami's Season **Lionel Messi's performance against Columbus Crew not only highlights his individual brilliance but also signifies a turning point for Inter Miami as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.** 1. **Revitalization of Team Performance**: The win against Columbus Crew followed a much-needed victory over CF Montréal, indicating a resurgence in form for the Herons. 2. **Messi's Record-Breaking Contributions**: With this match, Messi has now scored ten goals and provided four assists in the current season, further establishing himself as Inter Miami's all-time leading scorer in MLS [https://www.fox59.com/sports/sports-illustrated/f442ee47/lionel-messi-set-another-record-for-inter-miami-against-columbus-crew]. 3. **Future Prospects**: As Miami gears up for the Club World Cup, Messi's form will be crucial in their quest for success on the international stage [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/lionel_messi_has_hand_in_all_5_goals_as_miami_routs_crew/s1_17064_42269052].