Messi Leads Inter Miami to Victory Over Atlanta United
In a magical night at Chase Stadium, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami CF to a resounding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United FC. The Argentine star, after a brief break from his international commitments with the Argentina national team, shone to secure three crucial points for the team. Despite having been called up by the Argentine coach, Lionel Scaloni, for the friendlies in October against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, Messi chose to play the last regular season match of the Major League Soccer at home. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano explained the situation: “I spoke with Scaloni and he told me he would release him, that he wasn’t going to use him. I spoke with Leo about the possibility of him playing today; there’s not much more to it than that.” Mascherano added: “We saw the opportunity to use him, since he didn’t play against Venezuela. Leo was willing to do it, despite having trained all week with the national team. He is a unique and special player, and today he showed his worth.” Messi opened the scoring with a great goal, and then assisted his teammate Jordi Alba for the second goal of the match. Jordi Alba, who announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season, received an emotional tribute from Inter Miami after the match.Luis Suárez joined the party with a spectacular goal, and Messi closed the account with his second goal of the night. With this brace, Messi has 26 goals this season, closing in on the MLS top scorer, Denis Bouanga of LAFC. Mascherano commented on the possibility of Messi winning the Golden Boot: “If he has the opportunity, he will try to get it. It is always welcome, and it was a great night for the team and for him.” Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s teammate in the Argentinian national team, celebrated the goals from the bench alongside Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso. Messi could rejoin the Argentinian national team for Tuesday’s friendly against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami is tied in points with FC Cincinnati in second place in the standings, and will face Nashville in the last match of the regular season.“I’ve had a very good career, on very comfortable teams in every way. I am proud of everything I have achieved,” said Alba.
Jordi Alba
