Inter Miami boss Tata Martino explains why Lionel Messi inspiring Herons to MLS victory over Sporting Kansas City was 'very important'

Miami ended a run of five games in all competitions without a win with a hard-fought victory on Saturday night in front of more than 70,000 fans at Arrowhead Stadium. Erik Thommy gave the hosts the lead in the sixth minute before Diego Gomez equalised 12 minutes later and Lionel Messi's stunner made it 2-1 just after the break. Thommy grabbed his second just before the hour mark but Luis Suarez's strike 19 minutes from time ensured Martino's team claimed all three points. After being knocked out the the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Monterrey in midweek, this was the ideal response for the Herons.

"Being first in the standings is comforting, especially with a long week ahead," he said. "It was very important for us to get out of that rut of getting ties, losses, making mistakes, and we were able to do that, to regain the feeling that we can win at the end of a long, tough week."

Prior to this victory, Miami last won away to D.C. United in mid-March. After defeats to New York Red Bulls and Monterrey twice since then, this result was a much-needed boost and saw Messi's side go top of the MLS Eastern Conference.

Miami are in MLS action once more on Saturday night when they host second from bottom Nashville. This is the second time they will play the Coyotes in just over a month after beating them in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.