Inter Miami defeats reigning MLS champions LAFC 3-1 thanks to two assists from Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi assists Inter Miami in their pursuit of an MLS Eastern Conference playoff spot.Lionel Messi’s two assists helped Inter Miami leave BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on a high note.

Inter Miami turned on another Hollywood display on Sunday night, defeating Los Angeles FC 3-1 in front of a star-studded crowd at BMO Stadium that featured Prince Harry. Inter Miami’s counter-attack proved too much for the Black and Gold, as Facundo Farias scored his first goal and Lionel Messi assisted on two goals in the second half. LAFC had chances, but between Drake Callender’s tremendous saves and Denis Bouanga’s poor decision-making on breakaways, Steve Cherundolo’s club couldn’t put it all together when it counted most.

Those same shirts, along with some No. 10 shirts from Argentina and Barcelona, made up the vast majority of the crowd in Los Angeles.

Late in the second half, a pitch invader wearing a Barcelona shirt attempted to get near to Messi but was halted by security. Not long later, Messi moved towards the stands to take a corner kick and waved to the crowd, which was welcomed with raucous acclaim.

LAFC may have one of the strongest supporter bases in the league, but even their raucous support will not be enough to stop this goods train. In the 83rd minute, Messi provided his second assist of the night, allowing Leonardo Campana to score easily after taking advantage of defender Aaron Long’s error. The raucous party would have misled anyone into thinking they were in South Florida. As several locals made their way out, cheers for Messi erupted.

Ryan Hollingshead’s goal off a corner kick in the 90th minute was his consolation after a strong game.

People come to Los Angeles to make their dreams come true. After their trip to California, Inter Miami’s hopes of making a miraculous playoff push remain alive.

And they haven’t lost a game since Messi arrived. A Hollywood storyline could not compete with this.

*Inter Miami has NEVER won or scored a goal against Los Angeles.