This article was originally published on www.si.com as Inter Miami Takeaways vs. LA Galaxy: Messi Reinforces MVP Status in Critical Win. Inter Miami CF leaned on their trio of Barcelona legends to pick up a 3–1 win against the reigning MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy on Saturday night, as Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez led the way.

The Argentine captain struck the way he often does, weaving through tight spaces, getting around a defender and launching a left-footed blast from distance to the bottom left corner as Chase Stadium erupted and the opposing goalkeeper Novak Micovic stood helpless. It was Messi’s 19th goal in 19 games, as he leads the MLS Golden Boot race.