Dominant Performance in Atlanta
Lionel Messi continued his remarkable form for Inter Miami on Saturday, scoring two second-half goals to lead his side to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Argentine forward, now 39, cemented his position at the top of the MLS scoring charts, bringing his season tally to 25 goals. The win serves as a major boost for Miami as they continue their push toward the playoffs, with Messi playing a central role in their offensive success.
The deadlock was broken in the 45th minute when Mexican striker Germán Berterame opened the scoring for Miami, with Messi credited with a secondary assist on the play. Following the halftime break, the match belonged to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. In the 56th minute, Messi drove infield from the right flank, combined with Berterame on the edge of the area, and navigated past a defender to fire a low shot into the net. Just four minutes later, he struck again, capitalizing on a breakaway pass from Luis Suárez to beat Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos for his second of the night.
Statistical Milestones and Legacy
With this performance, ESPN reports that Messi has now recorded a goal contribution in 13 consecutive matches, matching his second-longest streak in his professional career. Furthermore, he solidified his standing as a creator, maintaining the joint-most assists in the league (15) alongside LAFC’s Son Heung-Min. Remarkably, Messi has become the first player in MLS history to register 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Inter Miami coach Cristian “Kily” González expressed his continued admiration for the veteran star’s dedication. “He never ceases to amaze the world,” González stated following the match. “I mean, I honestly can’t believe that a guy like him, at 39 years old, is doing what he’s doing. He pushes us to be better every single day.” When asked about the possibility of Messi reaching the 1,000-career-goal milestone—he currently sits at 936—González remained optimistic, noting that Messi thrives on setting and achieving new challenges.
The win holds additional significance as it marks Messi’s successful return to the venue where he played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup semifinal victory. As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the focus now shifts to whether Messi can maintain this output through the postseason, with his current form suggesting he remains the primary engine for Miami’s championship aspirations.