Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat Atlanta United 3-1
Lionel Messi struck twice in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win at Atlanta United on Saturday, taking his season total to 25 goals and extending the Herons’ winning run to three matches.
Messi turns the match after Berterame opener
Inter Miami went ahead in the 45th minute when German Berterame finished a move in which Messi played a key part. The visitors then took control after the interval at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Messi made it 2-0 in the 56th minute, cutting in from the right before combining with Berterame, beating an Atlanta defender and sending a low shot home.
- Four minutes later, Luis Suarez sent Messi through on goal. The Argentine beat his defender and finished past Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.
- Former Miami attacker Fafa Picault converted a late penalty for Atlanta, but the home side could not threaten a comeback.
The result keeps Miami second in the Eastern Conference, behind Nashville. Atlanta, managed by Tata Martino, remain 14th and face an increasingly difficult route into the playoffs.
Gonzalez salutes Messi’s influence
Inter Miami coach Kily Gonzalez said Messi continues to set standards for the entire squad, while stressing the forward’s hunger at the age of 39.
“He keeps astonishing everyone,” Gonzalez said. “It is difficult to believe what he is still doing at 39. The best thing for me is that he is happy. When he is happy, he gives everything, enjoys the game and feels at home here.”
Gonzalez added that Messi drives the group forward every day, describing him as a huge presence whose performances still make him smile and marvel.
Golden Boot lead and 1,000-goal target
Messi now holds a six-goal lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with 25 strikes. He also has 15 assists, level with LAFC’s Son Heung-min for the division’s highest total.
- Messi is the first MLS player to register 15 assists in three straight seasons.
- His two goals against Atlanta lifted his career total to 936.
- He has recorded at least one goal contribution in 13 consecutive matches.
- Since retiring from Argentina duty after the match against Benin earlier this month, he has scored four goals in three appearances.
Gonzalez believes Messi will reach 1,000 career goals. “I believe he will get there,” the coach said. “He likes setting himself challenges, and after achieving everything else, this is another target for him.”
What happens next
Miami have already secured their place in the postseason and travel to the New York Red Bulls next Saturday. Messi and the Herons will aim to keep pressure on Eastern Conference leaders Nashville.
