In a highly anticipated Leagues Cup match, Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory over Orlando City, with Lionel Messi shining once again. The Argentine forward scored two goals, marking his second consecutive multi-goal performance since joining the team and his third-straight scoring game since his MLS debut on July 21.

However, not everyone was thrilled with Messi's success. Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja criticized the officiating, suggesting that Messi received preferential treatment from referees. Pareja expressed his frustration, stating, "There was a double yellow card for Messi. That affects the game. The match should be fair, and that was not the case on the field."

Pareja specifically took issue with a hard foul committed by Messi, for which he received a yellow card in the 21st minute. The coach believed that Messi should have received a second yellow card later in the game, resulting in a red card and his expulsion from the match. Additionally, Pareja disagreed with a penalty kick awarded to Inter Miami when the game was tied 1-1 and criticized the officials for not reviewing the play.

Despite the controversy surrounding the officiating, Messi's performance was undeniably impressive. He scored his first goal just seven minutes into the match, skillfully eluding the Orlando City defense and converting a shot that landed under the crossbar. After Orlando City equalized, Messi struck again in the 72nd minute, receiving a pass from Josef Martinez and flicking a right-footed shot inside the left post.

Messi's remarkable form since joining Inter Miami has garnered praise from his coach, Tata Martino, who commented, "It is not illogical to think that he has scored five goals in three matches. Sometimes I feel we overdo it coming up with greater adjectives. It just comes down to talking about the best player in the world."

The victory against Orlando City advances Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup Round of 16, where they will face Dallas FC on Sunday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

In attendance for the match was baseball legend and Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, who experienced his first-ever soccer game. Jeter expressed his excitement to watch Messi play, acknowledging him as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer has attracted numerous celebrities to DRV PNK Stadium, including Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and DJ Khaled. The impact of Messi's presence on the league and the excitement surrounding his performances continue to captivate fans and spectators alike.