Inter Miami defender Tomas Aviles simply could not believe what Lionel Messi did last night in the Herons 3-1 win against Nashville SC.

The Florida franchise were back in action this Saturday at Chase Stadium as Messi again inspired Inter Miami to a massive MLS win having worked his magic last week on the road against Sporting Kansas City, blowing Peter Vermes’ mind in the process.

And it was another memorable performance from Messi, who scored a brace and assisted Sergio Busquets in what was to be the legendary Spanish midfielder’s first-ever goal for Inter Miami.

Yet speaking after the game, Aviles was in awe of what his Inter Miami teammate did.

Nashville SC v Inter Miami CF
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Tomas Aviles thanks Messi for inspiring Herons to Nashville win

Talking to the Miami Herald after the match, Aviles was again in sheer awe that Inter Miami can rely on a player like Messi, with the Argentine defender thanking the reigning Ballon d’Or holder for his performance against Nashville.

Indeed, a player of Messi’s quality has never graced MLS before, and with the forward now fit and healthy, Inter Miami are now seeing results, with the 36-year-old making the division look easy for the Herons.

And for Messi’s teammates, it’s clear that the likes of Aviles are enjoying playing alongside the GOAT, with the former PSG and FC Barcelona superstar becoming that clutch player that many Inter Miami fans expected the forward to become.

Aviles said on Messi’s performance: “We know who we have in front of us and we know we can count on them at any moment, in any circumstance, to get us out of difficult situations, like Leo did with that goal. Thank goodness we have him.”

Nashville SC v Inter Miami CF Messi Aviles
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Inter Miami need to get into a position where they’re not over-relying on Messi

Inter Miami have a living soccer cheat-code on their books in Messi, who when fit can transform a game in a second with his immense technical quality and unrivaled goalscoring record.

Yet the Herons need to get themselves into a position where they’re not over-relying on Messi, who has shown already in his ten months in Florida that he can spend weeks out on the sideline with injury.

With some serious talent on their squad, Inter Miami should be looking comfortable in games even if Messi is unavailable, and the Herons still need to crack the code on winning matches without their star player.