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Lionel Messi's hot start in Miami is now sizzling. In his second appearance for Inter Miami, he found the net twice in the first 22 minutes vs. Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup group stage in a 4-0 win. Reconnecting with Sergio Busquets, the duo beat Atlanta United's offside trap to put the Herons ahead to win Group J. After scoring a 94th-minute free kick to mark the beginning of his Miami tenure, Messi is doing what he can to upstage that impact with two goals. Messi would add an assist to things for his final tally of a brace and two assists in only 78 minutes played. 

While the opening goal was scored by the Argentine, it was served by Sergio Busquets who showed he can still find Messi in his sleep and did just that. The duo have played enough together at Barcelona that they can read each other's minds and it spells danger for Major League Soccer. While Messi has yet to make his MLS debut, only playing in the Leagues Cup so far, these performances are showing that he can take the league by storm.

He had help as well with Robert Taylor also registering a brace and an assist to help Inter Miami reach their lopsided advantage. Messi's goals were excellent but the impact on the team has been clear with only two matches played so far.

The opening goal saw Messi sent through by Busquets with him scoring his own rebound off the post:

Messi's follow-up was a lovely combination with a swift finish to the far post:

By the end of the week, the Herons are expected to have finished integrating Jordi Alba so they'll only get better. Without even logging a full 180 minutes, Messi is showing what he can do and he will only add to it with more goals as he regains fitness. He hasn't played competitive soccer in a month and a half and it's like the league is moving at half speed for him. Messi at full fitness could tear the league to shreds.

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Lionel Messi Inter Miami gear now available

Lionel Messi just scored two goals in his first Inter Miami start. You can now buy Messi No. 10 Inter Miami jerseys to celebrate the team's new signing. Shop here now.

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