Lionel Messi scores twice and provides an assist in Inter Miami’s victory over Atlanta United.

Lionel Messi showcased an extraordinary performance as he led Inter Miami to a commanding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) at Chase Stadium in Florida. The Argentine superstar, who momentarily stepped away from international commitments with Argentina during the FIFA window, achieved a remarkable feat by scoring two goals and assisting on another, helping secure at least the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs for Inter Miami.

With this victory, Inter Miami improved to an overall record of 18 wins, 7 losses, and 8 draws, earning a total of 62 points. They now have an opportunity to claim the No. 2 seed in the upcoming playoffs, contingent on finishing the season with more points than FC Cincinnati, which is currently tied on points but holds the advantage in head-to-head matchups.

Messi’s first goal arrived in the 39th minute when he expertly controlled a cross from teammate Baltasar Rodriguez and drove the ball into the upper corner of the net, opening the scoring for his team. He capped his performance with a second goal in the 87th minute, finishing off an assist from fellow player Jordi Alba. This stellar outing also saw Messi create a scoring opportunity for Miami’s second goal, looping a long ball to Alba, who expertly lobbed it over the Atlanta goalkeeper.

Luis Suarez contributed to the tally with a precise shot in the 61st minute, further solidifying Inter Miami’s dominance. The team’s goalkeeper, Rocco Rios Novo, had a standout day as he maintained a clean sheet throughout the match.

Atlanta United, having faced a challenging season aggravated by injuries to key players, struggled to find its footing in this match, marking their third consecutive loss and leaving them winless in five outings. The team suffered yet another setback when Stian Gregersen had to exit the game early due to an apparent hamstring injury.

This match marks a significant milestone for Inter Miami, as it was their final regular-season game at Chase Stadium before the team relocates to Miami Freedom Park in 2026. Messi’s ability to draw attention and generate excitement in the MLS continues to enhance the league’s profile, promising ample opportunities for growth in soccer in the United States.

This performance reinforces Messi’s leadership and football prowess, as he not only leads the league in goals with 26 but also shares the assist lead with 18, embodying the duality of a premier goal-scorer and playmaker.

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