Messi scores twice, provides assist as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1

Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami cruised to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday (17 October).

Germán Berterame opened the scoring in the final minute of the first half, converting a move set up by Messi and Luis Suárez to put Miami ahead.

Messi then scored twice in four minutes, finding the net in the 56th and 60th minutes to extend Miami’s lead to 3-0. Berterame assisted on both goals, while Suárez provided an assist on Messi’s second strike.

With his 15th assist of the season, Messi drew level with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the league’s assist standings. He also became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

The Argentine star’s goals took his league-leading tally to 25. He won the Golden Boot last season with 29 goals and, alongside Josef Martínez, is one of only two players in MLS history to score at least 25 goals in two regular seasons.

Messi now has 40 goal contributions this season, nine short of Carlos Vela’s MLS record of 49, set with Los Angeles FC in 2019. Miami have four matches remaining.

Berterame has recorded eight assists, while Suárez registered a career-high 11th assist.

Atlanta pulled one back in the 89th minute when Fafà Picault converted a penalty. Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made two saves, while Atlanta’s Lucas Hoyos also stopped two shots.

Atlanta had played out a 2-2 draw with Miami at home earlier in September.

Inter Miami will visit the New York Red Bulls next Saturday, while Atlanta United will host Chicago Fire.