Lionel Messi will fly to Spain on October 22 to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, becoming the first soccer player ever to win the honor. Inter Miami expects him back in time for the club's MLS clash with the New York Red Bulls two days later.
The award, announced back in June, recognizes standout figures across sports, culture, science and international cooperation. The selection committee cited not just Messi's trophy haul but his influence on the global growth of the game.
Quick turnaround for Red Bulls clash
Coach González said the club fully supports Messi's trip to Oviedo, calling the tribute meaningful for the player and his family. Despite the short window, Miami is confident its captain will be ready for the October 24 match in Harrison, New Jersey.
Inter Miami has already clinched a playoff berth, but the matchup still matters. The club is chasing Nashville for a better position in the Eastern Conference and wants to carry momentum into the postseason.
Two goals extend MLS scoring lead
Messi arrives off another decisive outing. Germán Berterame opened the scoring in the 45th minute off a Messi-involved play against Atlanta United, then Messi took over in the second half. In the 56th minute, he collected the ball on the right, combined with Berterame, cut past the defense and finished low. Four minutes later, Luis Suárez sprung the counterattack and set him up again.
Atlanta pulled one back through a Fafa Picault penalty, but couldn't complete the comeback. González praised Messi's ability to keep deciding games at 39, saying he's never seen the forward play with more joy.
The two goals push Messi's season total to 25, extending his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race, with 15 assists to go with it. He's now at 936 career goals, with 1,000 standing as one of his last major individual targets.
Playoff push continues
The win over Atlanta was Inter Miami's third straight. With a playoff spot locked up, the focus now shifts to finishing strong, starting with the Red Bulls on October 24 — assuming Messi's trip to Spain goes as planned.