Lionel Messi delivered a commanding performance on Saturday night, leading Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United with two goals scored in the second half and an assist in the first. The Argentine maestro’s involvement was pivotal in securing the win for his team.
The match remained scoreless until the closing moments of the first half, when Germán Berterame found the net with help from Messi and Luis Suárez. This goal marked Berterame’s ninth in just 26 appearances in the MLS, showcasing his growing influence in the league.
Messi’s assist on Berterame’s goal elevated his league assist total to 15, tying with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min for the lead. More notably, Messi became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons, underscoring his consistent playmaking prowess.
Messi’s Dominance Continues in Second Half
Early in the second half, Messi added to his tally by scoring two crucial goals in the 56th and 60th minutes, stretching Inter Miami’s lead to 3-0. Both goals were assisted by Berterame, while Suárez contributed an assist on Messi’s second strike. These efforts further solidified Messi’s status as the league’s top scorer.
Last season, Messi clinched the Golden Boot Award with 29 goals, and this season he continues to impress alongside Josef Martínez as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. Inter Miami’s next fixtures are away at New York Red Bulls on Saturday, while Atlanta United will host Chicago Fire on the same day, setting the stage for continued MLS action.