Messi brace powers Miami past Red Bulls

Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another as Inter Miami recovered from a goal down to crush New York Red Bulls 5-1 in the MLS on Saturday.

German defender Alexander Hack gave the hosts the lead by volleying home from Emil Forsberg's corner at the near post.

Messi then sent a sublime through ball into the path of his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, who took a touch before rifling a shot into the far corner.

Alba turned provider three minutes later as his cut-back allowed Telasco Segovia to fire in a first-time effort from eight yards.

Inter Miami was suddenly in overdrive and Venezuelan midfielder Segovia made it 3-1 just before halftime as he pounced on a loose ball to slot home from distance.

Messi extended his side's lead by running onto Sergio Busquets' defense-splitting pass from deep inside his own half and rounding goalkeeper Carlos Coronel before rolling the ball into an unguarded net.

The Florida outfit completed the rout in the 75th minute when Messi chested down Luis Suarez's cross and smashed his shot into the top-left corner.

Messi has now scored at least twice in six of his past seven matches. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner now has 18 goals and seven assists in 18 MLS outings this year.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano heaped praise on Messi after the match, saying the Argentine proved yet again why he is one of the greatest players in history.

"Ultimately, I think any sports fan, not just football fans, admires these types of athletes, whether it's Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan in his time, Rafa Nadal," Mascherano told a post-match news conference.

"These are people who have transcended sports, and the reality is that those of us who have the opportunity to experience this up close are very privileged."

The result leaves Inter Miami fifth in the Eastern Conference with 41 points, seven points behind leaders Cincinnati but with three games in hand. New York Red Bulls are ninth, eight points further back.