In the 60th minute, midfielder Sergio Busquets played a through ball from deep in his own half, sending Messi clear on goal. The Argentinian forward drove into the penalty area, feigned a shot to beat goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, and slotted the ball into the empty net with his left foot. The goal was reminiscent of their classic Barcelona combinations.
Fifteen minutes later, another pair of former Barcelona stars combined for a goal. This time, Luis Suarez delivered a cross from the left wing, which Messi chested down to evade a New York Red Bulls defender. The 38-year-old forward then curled a left-footed shot into the far corner, completing his brace.
Hong Duy