Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes to inspire Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday, extending the defending champions’ winning run to three matches as the Major League Soccer (MLS) play-offs approach.
The 39-year-old Argentine captain now leads the MLS scoring chart with 25 goals, six ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Philadelphia Union forward Milan Iloski.
Messi struck in the 56th and 60th minutes to put Miami firmly in control after German Berterame had opened the scoring shortly before half-time.
Berterame, who scored in the 45th minute, turned provider when he found Messi, who weaved past Atlanta’s defence before firing a left-footed shot from the centre of the box to make it 2-0.
Four minutes later, Messi raced through on a pass from Luis Suarez, beat defender Junior Alonso and fired past Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to complete his brace.
Messi had also played a key role in the opening goal. Shortly before half-time, he headed the ball to Suarez, who evaded his marker and lifted a pass for Berterame to head home.
The Argentine was also credited with an assist, taking him level with LAFC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the league’s assists chart. He is the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Messi has now scored four goals in three matches since his emotional farewell appearance for Argentina. Inter Miami secured a play-off place on Wednesday and have won three consecutive matches under coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who took charge last month.
Atlanta pulled one goal back in the 89th minute through Fafa Picault’s penalty, but the defeat left Gerardo Martino’s side struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with their play-off hopes fading.
Elsewhere, Minnesota United ended St. Louis City’s record-equalling 19-match unbeaten run in the MLS with a 3-2 victory.
Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira scored the winner in the 86th minute after Minnesota had fought back from two early goals by St. Louis’ Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro and South Korean winger Jeong Sang-bin.
Aziel Jackson reduced the deficit in the 49th minute before Kelvin Yeboah equalised in the 68th.
St. Louis, who have already secured a play-off place for the first time since 2023, missed the opportunity to set a new MLS record for consecutive league matches without defeat. Their 21-match unbeaten run across all competitions also came to an end.
The club had not lost an MLS match since a 2-0 defeat away to Austin on May 3, recording 13 wins and six draws during that period.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union’s 15-match unbeaten run continued with a 2-2 draw against Charlotte, ending their eight-match winning streak.
Philadelphia have won 12 matches and drawn three since losing 6-4 to Miami on May 24, collecting 39 points from a possible 45 under interim head coach Ryan Richter, who took charge during the league’s World Cup break.
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