Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi's performance in North America has unfolded like a dream. Following his debut in the last game of the International Miami with a penalty shootout, Messi made his first start in the North American League Cup early this Wednesday (26th), not only scoring two goals, but also contributing key assists to help his team sweep Atlanta United 4-0, locking up a spot in the round of 32 with two group stage victories, showing the "King of the Ball" style.
Inter Maia Mi had a strong lineup for the match, with Messi and Busquets leading the starting lineup. At the start of the match, Atlanta United started the game on the offensive, but the deadlock was broken only eight minutes later by a cool shot from Messi. The Argentine shooter received a long pass from Busquets, cleverly broke through the offside, and calmly pushed the goal in front of the open goal, giving his team the first goal. Immediately after, in the 22nd minute, Messi again showed his breakthrough ability in the middle of the road, distributing the ball to the penalty area, and then easily followed up with his own shot to extend the score to 2-0.
Messi was the pivot of almost all of Inter Myamy's attacks, launching an attack down the right before half-time, with a clever pass to the left for Robataille to finish; by the 54th minute, Messi continued to play with all-round prowess, intercepting an opponent's mistake in midfield and delivering a sublime direct pass for Robataille to single-handedly make the score 4-0. Messi wasn't subbed until the 78th minute, and he left the pitch to a huge round of applause from a huge round of applause from owner Billy Ham and the entire stadium.
