Lionel Messi’s arrival to MLS was always going to come with remarkably high expectations. But we’re just a few weeks into his tenure with Inter Miami, and he’s managing to blow by even the loftiest of expectations.
He might even have opposing goalkeepers looking starstruck out there.
Messi and Inter Miami waited almost no time to put their stamp on Tuesday’s Leagues Cup semifinal in Philadelphia. Josef Martinez got the scoring started in the third minute after catching Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake in a poor angle. It was a kind of a mistake that you can’t make against a player of Martinez’s caliber, but to do that again against Messi? It was just asking for trouble.
What can't he do?! 🐐
Make it NINE goals in six games for Leo Messi. pic.twitter.com/HLf3zBFTmV
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 15, 2023
In the 20th minute, Messi found himself plenty of space to operate and caught Blake in poor position once again. So, Messi did what he does best: He guided the ball into the back of the net from distance. It was his ninth goal in six games.
Yet, for how awesome it has been to have Messi in MLS, it’s equal parts embarrassing *for* MLS that Messi can essentially pass in goals from 35 yards out. The goalkeeping needs to be better there — that’s for sure.
You can’t really blame MLS fans for crushing Blake’s performance in the first half. It was tough to watch.
This was how Twitter reacted
Andre Blake walking away after the game with that Apple TV bonus after letting Inter Miami and Messi through into the final pic.twitter.com/C1rmclB81j
— َ (@Trashnaldo) August 15, 2023
Andre Blake when a Miami player takes a shot
— American Hooligans 🇺🇸⚽️ (@AmericanHoolis) August 15, 2023
The FBI needs to investigate this match and Andre Blake!
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) August 15, 2023
I know Andre Blake is a good goalkeeper and Messi is the best player who has ever existed, HOWEVER: you can't let him pass it in from 30 yards, man https://t.co/yK7AJ4ctQY
— dylan (@alltimeworst) August 15, 2023
Cmon Andre Blake 🤮 pic.twitter.com/DdixBLpvSy
— Mike Martignago (@MikeMartignago) August 15, 2023
How Andre Blake is dodging all these shots on Goal by Messi & all Miami players..pic.twitter.com/g5C7o7eBpl
— Van (@vanman_1000) August 15, 2023
I don’t know what’s going on but Andre Blake has been awful today
— NBA Slime (@TerryFranconia) August 15, 2023
Andre Blake highlights from tonight’s #InterMiami match:#Messi #MLS pic.twitter.com/UCv4r525QX
— Kicks and Picks Podcast (@KicksPicksPod) August 15, 2023
Seeing Andre Blake concede a goal like that is shocking tbh. But I guess it’s Messi. https://t.co/aijSl8CN1R
— Grant Dowling (@GrantHDowling) August 16, 2023
Messi scores again for Inter Miami!
But seriously, what was Andre Blake doing here!?
Shocking goalkeeping. https://t.co/uolM2Y6M83
— Danno (@manlikedanno) August 15, 2023
Just now seeing the Philly goals, and Andre Blake, who’s been the best keeper in MLS for the better part of a decade is looking awful match-fixy. My goodness.
— claybraham lincoln (@ClayLaSoul) August 16, 2023
Andre Blake this afternoon: (maybe) pic.twitter.com/LLtNOZWJdP
— mike. (@mikeaspillane) August 15, 2023
With a 3-0 Inter Miami lead at halftime, we know that MLS must be thrilled.
