Lionel Messi scored two goals and provided two assists as Inter Miami routed the Columbus Crew 5-1 in Major League Soccer on Saturday, building momentum ahead of the Club World Cup. Miami begins the inaugural FIFA tournament on 14 June against Egyptian and African champions Al Ahly. Despite a recent dip in form, the team has rediscovered its winning ways in the last two MLS matches. After a 4-2 midweek victory over Montreal, where Messi and Luis Suarez both scored twice, the pressure surrounding Javier Mascherano’s side eased, and their renewed confidence was evident from the outset. Miami capitalised on unusually poor defending from Columbus, a team typically strong in MLS over the past three seasons but who struggled against Messi and company. Argentine Tadeo Allende opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Messi, operating from midfield, delivered a long pass over the Columbus defence, allowing Allende a composed finish. Just two minutes later, Columbus’s Guatemalan goalkeeper, Nicholas Hagen, deputising for the injured Patrick Schulte, made a costly error. Hesitating with the ball at his feet, he passed directly to Messi, who attempted a chip. Though Hagen got a hand to the ball, it looped into the net, doubling Miami’s lead and leaving Columbus with a mountain to climb. LA MAGIA DEL 1️⃣0️⃣ ?✨ DICE PRESENTE pic.twitter.com/LjEJ0S5gmQ — Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 31, 2025 Messi extended the advantage in the 24th minute. Sergio Busquets, spotting the Crew’s defence out of position, played a pass over the top. Messi latched onto the ball and lobbed the onrushing Hagen. EL SOMBRERITO DEL GOAT ?‍? pic.twitter.com/pRxZjJDKuw — Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 1, 2025 Columbus gained a foothold in the 58th minute with a powerful header from Cesar Ruvalcaba. However, Miami restored their three-goal cushion just six minutes later. Messi broke through the middle and passed to Telasco Segovia, who then set up Suarez to strike the ball into the bottom corner. El pistolero NO FALLA ? @LuisSuarez9 pic.twitter.com/G3jKVudF42 — Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 1, 2025 The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner orchestrated the final goal, assisting substitute Fafa Picault, who broke clear and finished decisively to complete the 5-1 victory. Messi now departs for international duty with Argentina, who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. They face Chile away on Thursday and host Colombia on 10 June. (With inputs from AFP)