Lionel Messi put on another fine display on Saturday, leading Inter Miami to a 4-0 home win over Atlanta United with a brace and an assist.
Messi, who was released by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni so he could compete with Inter Miami this weekend, reached 26 goals so far in MLS.
Messi dazzles with a masterful assist
Argentine striker Lionel Messi offered a spectacular assist to Spain’s Jordi Alba, who finished with an elegant lob in a very emotional week, in which he announced his farewell to soccer.
Uruguay’s Luis Suárez also found the back of the net for Inter Miami, who overtook Cincinnati for second place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Messi’s performance at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium was watched by several of his teammates in the Argentine national team, such as Leandro Paredes and Nicolás Otamendi.
Also in the stands at Chase Stadium was Rodrigo De Paul, wearing a black shirt and cap, who is Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami, but is part of the Argentine training camp these days.
Leads Inter Miami scoring spree
Lionel Messi put Inter Miami ahead with a curling left-footed shot inside the far post to break the deadlock for Javier Mascherano’s men.
In the 52nd minute, Messi played a wonderful 40-meter pass to Jordi Alba, who controlled and beat the goalkeeper with a perfect lob.
Nine minutes later, Suarez made it 3-0 with a powerful right-footed shot from the edge of the box.
Lionel Messi put the icing on the cake with the final 4-0, his 26th goal so far in MLS.
With information from EFE
History with MLS scoring record
With his most recent brace, Lionel Messi continues to write his name in golden letters in U.S. soccer history.
The Argentine star became the first player to score more than one goal in nine games during a single MLS season.
With this feat, the Inter Miami captain left behind historical figures such as Stern John, Mamadou Diallo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
After his brilliant performance against Atlanta United, Lionel Messi reached 26 goals in the 2025 season, consolidating his position as the top scorer in Major League Soccer.
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