FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., 3 Mar (AP) \u2014 The scoring artistry that Lionel Messi and Luis S\u00faarez showcased often during their six years in Barcelona was on full display again Saturday. Inter Miami hopes it\u2019s a sign of repeated performances.<\/p>\n
Messi and S\u00faarez scored two goals each and Inter Miami routed Orlando City 5-0, the largest victory margin in team history.<\/p>\n
Messi had consecutive goals during a quick span early in the second half. It was his first two-goal game in MLS action.<\/p>\n
The 37-year-old S\u00faarez became the latest ex-Barcelona teammate to join Messi at Inter Miami and made an immediate impact in his third MLS match. Su\u00e1rez also had two assists.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knows everything about me, and I think we will continue to do so,\u201d Su\u00e1rez said of excelling with Messi again. Former Barcelona stars and Messi teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also are in their first full MLS season with Inter Miami after joining Messi last summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose guys aren\u2019t here to put their feet up,\u201d Julian Gressel said. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen it over the last few weeks. They\u2019re trying to do everything for the team to win. Tonight is a really good example of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a prolific career that has resulted in 381 club goals over 19 seasons, Su\u00e1rez scored his first two in the MLS within a seven-minute sequence early in the first half.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know what Luis is capable of,\u201d Messi told Apple TV after the match.<\/p>\n
Robert Taylor scored the fifth goal and Gressel had two assists for Inter Miami (2-0-1, 7 points), which is unbeaten through three games for the first time in club history. Orlando City dropped to 0-1-1.<\/p>\n
Inter Miami fans were barely settling in when Su\u00e1rez struck four minutes into the match. Messi initiated the strike as his long pass found an open Gressel on the right wing. Gressel then centered to an open Su\u00e1rez, who one-timed a shot inside the right post.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first goal, that changes the whole game, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d Messi said.<\/p>\n
The combination of Gressel and Su\u00e1rez clicked again seven minutes later. From the left wing, Gressel sent another crossing pass to Su\u00e1rez. Su\u00e1rez beat defender Wilder Cartagena to the ball, dribbled into the large area and converted past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from 12 yards.<\/p>\n
Su\u00e1rez turned distributor for Taylor\u2019s goal in the 29th minute. Su\u00e1rez\u2019s cross from the right wing found an open Taylor against an unsuccessful offside trap by the Orlando City backline. Taylor tapped in a 15-yard shot.<\/p>\n
\u201cI try my best every time I\u2019m out on the pitch,\u201d Su\u00e1rez said. \u201cToday we did a really good job and I hope the Miami fans are happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Messi joined the scoring onslaught with his first goal in the 57th minute. Suarez\u2019s shot deflected off the crossbar and an unmarked Messi easily tapped in the shot inches from the goal line.<\/p>\n
Suarez\u2019s centering pass from the left wing found an open Messi, whose header in the 62nd minute closed the scoring.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery satisfied with our performance,\u201d Inter Miami coach Gerardo \u201cTata\u201d Martino said. \u201cEveryone played well. Su\u00e1rez was fantastic not only with his goals but with the assists. We also preserved the shutout, which is very important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tensions escalated when Su\u00e1rez exchanged words with Orlando players as they walked off the field for the halftime break.<\/p>\n
Saturday began a month of seven matches for Inter Miami while Argentina also has called Messi for two exhibitions during a four-day stretch later in March.<\/p>\n
Martino said Friday that Messi\u2019s playing time will be carefully monitored. Messi played the entire match Saturday and Su\u00e1rez was replaced in the 67th minute.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a long road that is just beginning,\u201d Messi said.<\/p>\n
In addition to five league matches, Inter Miami will face Nashville SC in a home-and-home set of the CONCACAF Nations Cup round of 16. Argentina will play El Salvador on March 22 and Costa Rica on March 26 as precursors to Copa America later this summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are good, we are enjoying, we are growing,\u201d Messi said. \u201cToday was an important game to win to continue on that path of growth and the truth is that this has to make us very strong for everything that is to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shortly before Saturday\u2019s kickoff, Jaime Herrera replaced Guiherme Ceretta as center referee after photos of Ceretta on social media created a possible conflict of interest.<\/p>\n
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