Lionel Messi led Inter Miami CF to a resounding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United FC at Chase Stadium. The Argentine star, who was temporarily released from his international commitments with the Argentina national team, was key to securing the crucial three points for the team.
Messi Shines at Chase Stadium
Despite having been called up by the Argentine coach, Lionel Scaloni, for the October friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, Messi chose to play with Inter Miami in the last match of the regular season of Major League Soccer at Chase Stadium.Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano explained the situation: “I spoke with Scaloni, and he told me he was going to 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. He had no intention of using him yesterday; he wanted to see something else. As the coach said, it was his decision.”Mascherano added: “We saw the opportunity to use him, since he didn’t play yesterday against Venezuela. Leo was also willing to do it, even though he trained all week with the national team. We know he is a totally special player; he is unique, and for us, clearly, although he didn’t train with us, well, we saw what he did today. So he helped us win. He scored, which was also important for him.”Messi opened the scoring with a great goal that went into the upper left corner, adding his 25th goal of the season.In addition, the captain assisted his teammate, Jordi Alba, for the second goal of the match, who scored with a shot that surpassed the Atlanta goalkeeper.Alba, who announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season, received a special tribute from Inter Miami after the match.Luis Suárez also joined the party with a spectacular volley goal in the 61st minute, and Messi sealed the victory with his second goal, reaching 26 goals in the season.With this brace, Messi positions himself with a two-goal lead over Denis Bouanga, LAFC forward, in the race for the MLS Golden Boot.Mascherano commented on the possibility of Messi winning the Golden Boot: “At this stage of his life it’s not going to change much. But as you can see, if he has it there, he will try to get it. So welcome, always with a great night for the team, for him, for everyone.”Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s teammate in the Argentine national team, celebrated each goal from the sidelines along with other players from the Albiceleste.Messi could rejoin the Argentinian national team for Tuesday’s friendly against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, with Scaloni hoping for his participation.Inter Miami is tied in points with FC Cincinnati in second place in the standings, awaiting the last match of the regular season next Saturday. Inter Miami will play against Nashville, while Cincinnati will face Montreal. Philadelphia Union has already secured first place in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield.Well, I think I’ve had a very good career, being on very comfortable teams in every way. This video reflects the truth that the club has been a pleasant surprise because I saw several directors from various clubs, some coaches I’ve had throughout my career, and the truth is that it has been special and, well, proud of everything I have achieved.
Jordi Alba
