Lionel Messi scores twice, adds assist to propel Inter Miami to 3-1 victory over Atlanta United

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi starred as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1 in Major League Soccer (MLS). The match was played on Saturday (17 October) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Messi scored twice and also contributed to a teammate’s goal. With the assist, he became only the third player to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive MLS seasons, a rare achievement.

Both teams tried to create chances in the first half. Just before the break, in the 45th minute, Germán Berterame put Miami ahead, heading in a cross from Luis Suárez. Messi also played a part in the build-up. The assist made the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner the first player in MLS to reach at least 15 assists in three straight seasons.

Miami came out after the break determined to extend their lead. In the 56th minute, Messi scored his first goal after a fine one-two with Berterame. Only four minutes later, in the 60th, the Argentine captain scored his second from a Suárez pass, putting the visitors 3-0 up.

Atlanta tried to fight back late in the match. Fafà Picault pulled one back from a penalty in the 89th minute, but the hosts could not avoid defeat. Inter Miami left the field with a 3-1 win.

Messi’s tally for the season now stands at 25 MLS goals. He leads the scoring charts and is ahead in the race for the Golden Boot. He also has 15 assists. Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC, the South Korean star, is level with him at the top of the assists table.

Messi won the MLS Golden Boot last season with 29 goals. Only Messi and Josef Martínez have scored at least 25 goals in more than one season in league history. This season Messi has been directly involved in 40 goals through goals and assists combined. To break the record of 49 goal contributions set by Carlos Vela for Los Angeles FC in 2019, he needs 10 more in the remaining four matches.

Returning to club football after the international break with his national team, Messi kept Miami’s winning run going. His performance gave the team three important points and added a new chapter to MLS history.

Sources: Major League Soccer, Inter Miami’s official match report and Associated Press.