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Lionel Messi denies himself a hat-trick to help struggling team-mate in Inter Miami win
Lionel Messi showed his unselfish nature in Inter Miami's 3-1 Leagues Cup win over Orlando City.
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Lionel Messi unselfishly passed up the chance to score his first Inter Miami hat-trick by handing a struggling team-mate the opportunity to take a penalty. Fellow forward Josef Martinez had failed to score since Messi’s arrival at the beginning of July but was handed the opportunity after winning a spot-kick.
Messi has been in sensational form since securing his free transfer to MLS. The Barcelona icon had already scored a stunning, match-winning free kick on his debut in a 2-1 triumph over Cruz Azul.
The veteran followed that up by scoring a brace in a 4-0 rout over Atlanta United. And Messi then struck twice again in a Leagues Cup clash against Orlando City.
Messi’s second goal in the game, scored in the 72nd minute, might have been his first hat-trick for his new club. However, he had gifted Martinez the opportunity to score from the penalty spot 21 minutes prior.
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Venezuelan star Martinez was fouled in the box and fans were anticipating Messi stepping up to score the resulting penalty. After all, the 35-year-old has an excellent record from the spot - scoring 78 per-cent of his 140 career penalties.
However, he chose to hand the ball to Martinez, offering the 30-year-old the opportunity to score after his excellent work to win the penalty. The former Atlanta man duly obliged, rolling home his effort to put his side 2-1 ahead.
Martinez said afterwards: "Messi let me take the penalty. I wasn't having a good time, so he let me take the penalty so I could regain my confidence. I appreciate that."
Messi now has five goals in three games for his new side, continuing the fine record he has produced during his 19-year career. His next appearance will see him face FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup on Sunday.
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Former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba made his first appearance for Miami in the win over Orlando and said: It's no longer surprising, it's outrageous what Leo does. After two years without playing together, today we have finally played again and now to enjoy other years together.”
Speaking about making his debut alongside Messi, Alba continued: "Very happy, I really wanted to come and play for Inter Miami. The reception that the fans have given me has been incredible.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm to improve and win. You have to work as a team to win titles.”