Argentine superstar Lionel Messi scored twice in the space of four minutes to lead Inter Miami to a 3–1 away victory over Atlanta United, as the team’s bid to defend its Major League Soccer (MLS) title gains momentum with the playoffs approaching.
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The 39-year-old Messi strengthened his lead in the scoring charts with 25 goals, ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa of Croatia, who has 20, and Philadelphia Union’s Milan Iloski, who has 19.
At the same Atlanta stadium where Messi shone during the North American World Cup, the Argentine star scored two outstanding goals to secure Inter Miami’s third consecutive victory.
Argentine-born Mexican international Germán Berterame, who gave the visitors the lead in the 45th minute, set up the second goal by passing to Messi. The forward outmaneuvered Atlanta’s defence before firing a left-footed shot from the centre of the penalty area in the 56th minute.
Four minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored his second goal of the match and Inter Miami’s third. He launched a run from the halfway line after receiving a pass from his former Barcelona teammate, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez. Messi then beat Paraguayan defender Junior Alonso before shooting past his compatriot, goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.
Messi has now scored four goals in three matches since his emotional farewell to the Argentine national team following his announcement that he would retire from international football.
The diminutive forward had also helped Inter Miami take the lead shortly before halftime. He headed the ball to Suárez inside the penalty area, and the striker delivered a cross that Berterame headed into the net.
Messi was credited with an assist, drawing level with South Korean Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC at the top of the league’s assists chart.
Messi has also become the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Inter Miami, which secured its place in the playoffs on Wednesday, claimed its third consecutive victory under Argentine coach Cristian “Kily” González, who took charge last month.
In the 89th minute, Fafa Picault scored a consolation goal for Atlanta from the penalty spot. However, the team coached by Argentine Gerardo “Tata” Martino continues to struggle, sitting second from bottom in the Eastern Conference.
St. Louis’ unbeaten run comes to an end
St. Louis City’s 19-match unbeaten run in the league ended with a 3–2 away defeat to Minnesota.
St. Louis City, which sits second in the Western Conference and secured its first playoff qualification since 2023, missed the opportunity to claim sole possession of the record for the longest unbeaten run in league history. It remains tied with Columbus, Dallas and Inter Miami.
The defeat also ended St. Louis City’s record run of 21 consecutive matches without a loss across all competitions.
St. Louis City had not lost a league match since its 2–0 defeat to Austin on May 3, recording 13 wins and six draws during that period.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia, sixth in the Eastern Conference, extended its unbeaten run to 15 matches after drawing 2–2 at home against Charlotte FC.
Philadelphia had recorded eight consecutive league victories before being held to a draw.
Since losing 6–4 to Inter Miami on May 24, Philadelphia has recorded 12 wins and three draws, earning 39 of a possible 45 points. The run began after Ryan Richter took over as interim coach during the break coinciding with the FIFA World Cup.
French star Antoine Griezmann once again led Orlando City’s performance, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 4–1 home victory over D.C. United.
With its 12th win in 30 matches this season, Orlando kept its playoff hopes alive, sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference. The top seven teams qualify directly for the playoffs.
AFP
