MIAMI: Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes to inspire Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday, strengthening the club’s push as the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs approach.
The 39-year-old forward now leads the MLS scoring charts with 25 goals, six ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Philadelphia Union forward Milan Iloski.
The victory marked Miami’s third consecutive win and continued their momentum as they defend their MLS title. The team secured a playoff berth on Wednesday and has won all three matches under coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who took charge last month.
Messi Delivers Decisive Second-Half Brace
Messi produced two outstanding finishes in the second half to turn Miami’s advantage into a commanding lead.
After German Berterame put Miami ahead shortly before half-time, Messi doubled the lead in the 56th minute. Berterame supplied the pass, allowing the Argentine to weave through Atlanta’s defence before firing a left-footed shot from the centre of the penalty area.
Four minutes later, Messi struck again. Luis Suarez played him through, and the forward broke into space before getting past Atlanta defender Junior Alonso and beating goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.
The two goals took Messi’s league tally to 25, further strengthening his position at the top of the scoring charts.
Messi Matches Assists Leader
Messi also contributed to Miami’s opening goal, helping create the move that ended with Berterame’s header in the 45th minute.
The Argentine played the ball to Suarez, who escaped his marker inside the penalty area before lifting a pass for Berterame to head home.
Messi was credited with an assist for the goal, bringing him level with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the league’s assists standings.
He also became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons, according to the supplied match report.
The performance continued Messi’s strong run since his emotional farewell to Argentina’s national team, with the forward scoring four goals across three matches.
Atlanta Struggle to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Atlanta United managed to reduce the deficit late in the match when Fafa Picault converted a penalty in the 89th minute.
However, the goal came too late to change the result, leaving Gerardo Martino’s side facing mounting pressure in their bid to reach the playoffs.
Atlanta sit second from bottom in the Eastern Conference, with time running out to improve their position before the regular season concludes.
For Miami, the victory provided another boost as they look to carry their winning form into the postseason.
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St. Louis City’s Unbeaten Run Comes to an End
Elsewhere in MLS, St. Louis City’s record-tying 19-match unbeaten league run ended with a 3-2 defeat away to Minnesota United.
St. Louis had taken an early lead through Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro and South Korean winger Jeong Sang-bin. Minnesota responded after the break, with Aziel Jackson scoring in the 49th minute before Kelvin Yeboah equalised in the 68th.
Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira then scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute to complete Minnesota’s comeback.
St. Louis had been hoping to break the MLS record for consecutive league matches without defeat, a mark it shares with Columbus, Dallas and Inter Miami. The defeat also ended the club’s 21-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
The team had not lost an MLS match since a 2-0 defeat away to Austin on May 3, recording 13 victories and six draws during that stretch.
Philadelphia’s Unbeaten Run Reaches 15 Matches
Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten MLS run to 15 matches after drawing 2-2 with Charlotte.
The Union had won eight consecutive league matches before the draw, continuing an impressive run under interim head coach Ryan Richter, who took charge during the league’s World Cup break.
Since Richter’s appointment, Philadelphia have recorded 12 wins and three draws, collecting 39 points from a possible 45.
Their run began after a 6-4 defeat to Inter Miami on May 24, and the latest result kept Philadelphia’s strong league campaign moving forward.
With the playoffs approaching, Miami’s winning streak, Philadelphia’s consistency and Minnesota’s late victory have added further intrigue to the MLS race.
