Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes as Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday, extending their winning run to three matches as the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs draw closer.
The Argentine forward took his tally to 25 league goals this season, putting him six ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Philadelphia Union’s Milan Iloski in the MLS scoring chart.
Inter Miami took the lead shortly before half-time through German Berterame, who headed home from close range after Messi set up the opportunity with a header to Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan striker then lifted the ball into the path of Berterame, who finished the move to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage in the 45th minute.
Messi doubled Miami’s lead in the 56th minute, collecting a pass from Berterame before dribbling past Atlanta’s defenders and firing a left-footed effort into the net.
The 39-year-old struck again four minutes later after Suarez released him with a pass.
Messi raced towards goal, outmanoeuvred Junior Alonso and beat goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to put Miami firmly in control at 3-0.
Atlanta managed to reduce the deficit in the 89th minute when Fafa Picault converted a penalty, but the hosts could not prevent Miami from claiming all three points.
Messi also recorded an assist during the encounter, drawing level with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the league’s assists standings. He also became the first player in MLS history to register at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
The brace took Messi’s tally to four goals in three matches since Argentina’s emotional farewell to the football legend.
Miami, who secured their place in the playoffs on Wednesday, have now won three consecutive matches under coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who assumed the role last month.
The result further strengthened the defending champions’ momentum ahead of the postseason, while Atlanta United face an increasingly difficult task in their bid to qualify for the playoffs.
Atlanta, coached by Gerardo Martino, remain second from bottom in the Eastern Conference and have limited opportunities to turn their season around.
St. Louis’ Unbeaten Run Ends
Elsewhere, St. Louis City saw their 19-match unbeaten run in MLS come to an end following a 3-2 defeat away to Minnesota United.
The result denied St. Louis the opportunity to establish a new league record, leaving them level with Columbus Crew, FC Dallas and Inter Miami for the longest unbeaten streak in MLS history.
St. Louis had made a strong start, with Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro and South Korean winger Jeong Sang-bin finding the net to give the visitors an early advantage.
Minnesota responded through Aziel Jackson, who scored in the 49th minute, before Kelvin Yeboah restored parity in the 68th minute.
Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira then completed Minnesota’s comeback by scoring the winning goal in the 86th minute.
The defeat also ended St. Louis City’s record 21-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
The club had not suffered an MLS defeat since losing 2-0 away to Austin FC on May 3, recording 13 victories and six draws during that period.
Despite the setback, St. Louis have already secured qualification for the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten league run to 15 matches after drawing 2-2 with Charlotte FC at home.
Philadelphia had won eight consecutive MLS matches before the encounter but were forced to settle for a point after Charlotte fought back.
The Union’s impressive run began after a 6-4 defeat to Inter Miami on May 24.
Since then, they have recorded 12 wins and three draws, collecting 39 points from a possible 45 under interim head coach Ryan Richter, who took charge during the league’s World Cup break.
