Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat Atlanta 3-1

Lionel Messi scored twice in four second-half minutes as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 on Saturday, October 17, strengthening their position in the Major League Soccer (MLS) standings ahead of the playoffs.

The Argentine captain struck in the 56th and 60th minutes after German Berterame had given Miami the lead shortly before half-time.

Berterame opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a header from Luis Suárez’s cross, completing an attacking move that also involved Messi.

Messi doubled Miami’s advantage in the 56th minute after combining with Berterame and working his way through Atlanta’s defence before firing into the net.

Four minutes later, he scored again, collecting a pass from Suárez, beating defender Junior Alonso and finishing past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to make it 3-0.

Atlanta pulled a goal back in the 89th minute when Fafa Picault converted a penalty, but the hosts could not mount a late comeback.

The victory marked Inter Miami’s third consecutive league win and extended Messi’s league-leading tally to 25 goals. He also recorded his 15th assist of the season, drawing level with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the league’s assist standings.

Messi’s assist made him the first player in MLS history to register at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. His two goals and assist also took his total goal contributions for the campaign to 40.

Inter Miami had secured a playoff berth earlier in the week and continued their push to defend their MLS title with the away victory.

Despite Atlanta’s late response, Miami controlled the decisive moments through the combination of Messi, Berterame and Suárez, with the visitors leaving Mercedes-Benz Stadium with all three points.