When Lionel Messi arrived in the MLS, he immediately connected with someone who shared his perspective.

Pedro Busquets? newcomer Jordi Alba to Inter Miami? People, be serious. Of course, we’re referring to Robert Taylor.

Messi once again linked up with his all-time favorite Finn to start the scoring as Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 in a League Cup match.

It took Messi just seven minutes to connect with the player who appears to be his favorite new target after an hour-long rain delay.

In MLS circles, Taylor was once regarded as a dangerous winger, but he was scarcely a guy to especially game-plan for. In 2022, he recorded three goals and three assists on the left flank, a very good total for a mediocre team.

However, the Finland winger is unstoppable with Messi in the mix. Taylor’s increased self-assurance has led to him being featured in highlight videos all over the world.

Consider Wednesday’s goal as an illustration: it was anticipated that Messi would be providing all the highlight-reel moments, and his Miami colleagues only had to kick the ball into the net. But not Taylor, who dribbled around Kyle Smith before shocking Orlando with a clipped-in ball, setting up Messi for a powerful volley when Messi was unmarked.

Taylor has been productive since Messi joined the Herons, and this is his second assist to go along with three goals in only three games.

In a 4-0 demolition of Atlanta United on July 25, Messi and Taylor collaborated on three goals, each of which they assisted in scoring. Taylor has not just relied on his relationship with the Argentine legend. Against Cruz Azul, the winger scored while Messi was still on the bench, and against Atlanta, Benjamin Cremaschi set up his second goal.

While Taylor didn’t directly assist Messi on his subsequent goal in the 72nd minute, it’s safe to say that they once more made contact. Taylor was selected by Messi during a break, and Taylor’s cross from the left was over Messi when Messi found Taylor on the break, but Josef Martnez was there to knock the ball down and set up the world icon for a clear shot.