ATLANTA: Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami CF secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) action on Saturday night. The Argentine superstar delivered a decisive performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, helping Miami strengthen its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Neither team managed to score in the opening stages, but Miami broke the deadlock just before halftime. Germán Berterame headed home a cross from Luis Suárez in the 45th minute, with Messi also contributing to the move. Messi then took control of the match after the break. He doubled Miami’s advantage in the 56th minute with a left-footed finish following a combination with Berterame.

Four minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again. Messi raced through Atlanta’s defence and calmly finished to make it 3-0, completing his brace and further extending his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. Berterame played a key role in both second-half goals, providing the assist for Messi’s first strike and helping create space for the second.

Atlanta continued to push for a response and finally found the net in the 89th minute. Fafà Picault converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, but the home side could not mount a late comeback.

The victory marked Inter Miami’s third consecutive win in the regular season. The result also highlighted Messi’s continued influence, as he combined goalscoring with creative play to guide his team to another important result.

Atlanta United, meanwhile, will look to recover in its next league fixture after suffering a home defeat. Inter Miami are scheduled to face the New York Red Bulls on October 24, while Atlanta United will host Chicago Fire on the same day.

Miami, Florida: Inter Miami secured a place in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium, moving up to second place in the Eastern Conference standings. German Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul scored for Miami, while Lionel Messi played a key role in the victory as the defending MLS Cup champions continued their push for another title.

Berterame opened the scoring after connecting with a pass from Luis Suárez and beating New York City FC goalkeeper Matthew Freese. The goal ended the forward’s lengthy scoring drought, marking his first goal since finding the net against the Philadelphia Union on May 24.

De Paul doubled Miami’s advantage before halftime with an excellent finish following a combination with Messi just outside the penalty area. The Argentine midfielder’s goal gave Miami a comfortable lead that it maintained until the final whistle.

Messi has scored 23 goals this season and remains at the top of the MLS Golden Boot race. He has also recorded 14 assists, placing him among the league’s leading playmakers. The victory lifted Inter Miami to 52 points from 29 matches, putting the club second in the Eastern Conference. Nashville SC leads the league in points.

New York City FC had an opportunity to get back into the match late in the second half when the visitors earned a penalty. However, Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair produced an impressive save to deny the attempt and preserve his team’s clean sheet. After the match, Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González said qualifying for the playoffs had been one of the club’s primary objectives at the start of the season.

“We achieved that goal,” González said. “However, as a team, we still need to improve.”

Miami’s victory followed a commanding 4-0 win over D.C. United on Saturday, when Messi and Suárez scored two goals each. The win over NYCFC marked Miami’s second league victory under González, who took charge on September 16. Reflecting on the team’s progress, González emphasized the importance of having players who trust the coaching staff’s plans and tactical approach.

“When you have players who are willing to believe in the plan you want to implement, everything becomes easier,” he said.

“We are identifying the mistakes we have made and continue to make, and trying to correct them in training. The players’ mentality has made it much easier to communicate our plans and tactics clearly.”

The coach also praised the support Messi receives from his teammates, saying the club protects and supports the Argentine superstar.

“This club looks after him and protects him. His teammates always show him love and support. They give everything they have to help him,” González said.

“Messi inspires us to become better every day and challenges us to improve ourselves.”

Inter Miami returned to the MLS playoffs after winning the 2025 MLS Cup. The club defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at home in Fort Lauderdale to claim the championship last year. Although Miami failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2023, Messi’s first season with the club, the team has reached the knockout stage in each of the following three seasons.

For Messi, the current year has brought significant highs and lows. After leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final, he announced his retirement from international football a month later. He now has another opportunity to pursue silverware at club level with Inter Miami.

Miami’s latest victory strengthens its position in the Eastern Conference as the team prepares for the postseason. New York City FC will host Los Angeles FC next Saturday, while Inter Miami will travel to face Atlanta United on the same day.