Lionel Messi continues to defy his age in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The experienced forward scored twice on Saturday to lead Inter Miami to a comfortable 3-1 win against Atlanta United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
German Berterame put the Herons 1-0 up just before the interval, with Messi playing a crucial role in the build-up.
The Argentine got on the scoresheet in the 56th minute. He cut inside from the right flank, exchanged passes with Berterame before slotting a low finish into the net.
It took Messi only four minutes to add his second. Luis Suarez released the 39-year-old on a breakaway, allowing the forward to beat his marker and fire past the goalkeeper.
Fafa Picault pulled one back for the hosts in the 89th minute, but Miami went on to seal a comfortable victory.
With his latest display, Messi has become the first player in MLS history with at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 25 goals this campaign and is firmly on course to win three straight MLS MVP awards.
Saturday’s brace also took Messi’s career goals tally to 936, and his coach Kily Gonzalez believes he can achieve the historic 1,000 milestone.
After recording just one win from six games in September, Miami have made a big comeback this month.
They have won all previous three matches against DC United, New York City and Atlanta.