:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/grupoclarin/HWGGS3R3LBDDXF722ONOVEM67A.jpg "Messi scores a double in Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory against the Revolution in a packed stadium")
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Lionel Messi had a double to thrill the New England Revolution fans who packed Gillette Stadium and lead Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory on Saturday.
Messi did not disappoint the 65,612 fans who filled the stadium and scored his second left-footed goal inside the six-yard box to reach nine goals this season and break the tie, which remained 1-1 in the 68th minute.
They broke the MLS stadium attendance record of 61,316 when the Revolution lost the MLS final to the LA Galaxy in 2002.
In the first half he scored again from his left foot to tie the game 1-1 in the 33rd minute.
When the 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina scored, a great cheer was heard in the stands between Miami, leader of the Eastern Conference, and the Revolution, which is last.
Benjamin Cremaschi and Uruguayan Luis Suárez scored near the end.
The Revolution went up 1-0 in the first minute, when Argentine Tomás Chancalay beat a defender and sent the ball over goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Even with other teams in town—the NBA’s Celtics and NHL’s Bruins—still contesting the playoffs, the focus this week was on Messi’s visit.
While rookie Alexandros Katranis scored in the 89th as Real Salt Lake came back to beat Philadelphia Union 2-1.
Real Salt Lake handed Philadelphia its first loss of the season and it was also only its second loss in 40 home league games under coach Jim Curtin.
Diego Rubio and Jáder Obrain scored in the first half and Austin FC blanked the Galaxy 2-0.
In other games, Toronto overcame an early deficit to beat Orlando City 2-1. Argentine Luciano Acosta scored in added time and New York City FC beat Charlotte FC 2-1 and DC United beat a depleted Seattle Sounders 2-1.