Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat Atlanta United 3-1 for Third Straight MLS Win

Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1 away at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, October 17. Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes in the second half. Germán Berterame also scored. It was Miami's third straight MLS win, as the Herons' title defence gathers pace with the playoffs close.

Berterame gave Miami the lead in the 45th minute, with Messi playing a key part in the build-up. Messi had come close to scoring in the 41st minute with a free kick, but Atlanta's goalkeeper saved it at the top right corner. Messi then scored in the 56th minute. Four minutes later, he scored again. He broke away on a pass from Luis Suárez, got the better of defender Junior Alonso and fired past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.

Atlanta pulled a goal back in the 89th minute when Fafa Picault scored from the penalty spot. It was only a consolation. Miami held on comfortably.

Messi now has 25 goals in the MLS regular season. He leads the scoring chart by six goals. The two goals took his career total to 936. Messi is 39 years old. He was also credited with an assist in the match. That took him to 15 assists this season. He is the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three straight seasons.

Miami head coach Kily González praised Messi after the game. He said the forward never stops amazing people. Miami had already booked their playoff place with a 2-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday. Messi played a big part in that game too.

The defeat was another blow for Atlanta, who are coached by Gerardo Martino. They are struggling in the Eastern Conference. They are running out of time to turn their season around and reach the playoffs. They have now lost to a Miami side that is building momentum at the right time.

Miami will now look to carry this form into the MLS playoffs. They are the defending champions. Messi will again be the player they depend on most.