By Jaime Uribarri
To watch Lionel Messi with Inter Miami CF is to watch history unfold in real time.
Case in point: Matchday 31’s Walmart Saturday Showdown.
Messi scored a pair of highlight-reel goals and added an assist as the Herons cruised to a 3-1 victory at Atlanta United.
With his latest man-of-the-match display, Messi reached 23g/15a on the year, becoming the first player in MLS history with at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
"I can't believe this guy does what he does at 39 years of age," head coach Cristian 'Kily' González said postgame of Messi. "And what makes me happiest is that he's happy.
"So if he's happy, he performs the way he performs, he enjoys... Every day that I see him, I smile."
Messi magic
Messi wrote his name into the MLS record books just before halftime, notching the secondary assist on Germán Berterame's 45th-minute opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner padded Miami's lead in the 56th minute by evading multiple defenders inside the box before firing home with his prized left foot. He got his brace just four minutes later, using his world-class skills to finish off a devastating counterattack.
Messi's performance further built on his lead atop the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi leaderboard, while strengthening his case as the odds-on favorite for a historic Landon Donovan MLS MVP three-peat.
"What do I admire about him [Messi]? Everything," added González. "He's a player who never stops surprising you.
"... To me, he's an alien. He's a player who amazes me in every action, during every training session that I watch. And God willing, he'll keep on amazing us until the day he decides to retire."
Playoff momentum
With Saturday's lopsided result, Miami won their third straight game by a combined 9-1 scoreline.
Last year's champions, who clinched an Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs spot midweek, appear to be hitting their form as they tighten their grip on second place (55 points) in the Eastern Conference and the homefield advantage it grants in Round One of the postseason.
More long term, the Herons are looking to become the first back-to-back MLS Cup winners since the LA Galaxy in 2011-12.
"My idea is for the team to keep on improving," said González. "Today, we showed our character away from home against an opponent coming off a 3-0 win [vs. CF Montréal] and in need of a win.
"And thanks to God, I'd say we defeated them very well."
HIGHLIGHTS: Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami CF | October 17, 2026