Lionel Messi scored two goals four minutes apart in Inter Miami's 3-1 win at Atlanta United on Saturday, taking his MLS-leading total to 25 and opening a six-goal lead in the Golden Boot race. He also has 15 assists, tied for the league lead. Messi is 39.
How did Messi score against Atlanta?
Germán Berterame put Miami ahead in the 45th minute, with Messi credited with a secondary assist. After half-time, ESPN describes two very similar goals:
- 56th minute: Messi drove in from the right, played a one-two with Berterame at the edge of the box, beat a defender and fired low into the net.
- 60th minute: Luis Suárez sent him through on a breakaway. Messi beat another defender and scored past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos with his left foot.
Atlanta's only goal was a late penalty from former Miami forward Fafà Picault.
Where does Messi rank in MLS this season?
| Stat | Messi, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Goals | 25 (leads MLS by six) |
| Assists | 15 (tied for first with Son Heung-min) |
| Goal-contribution streak | 13 straight matches |
| Career goals, club and country | 936 |
According to ESPN, Messi is the first player in MLS history with 15 assists in three straight seasons. His 13-match streak with a goal or assist ties the second-longest of his career.
Are Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs?
Yes. They clinched with a 2-0 win over NYCFC on Wednesday, October 14, and have won three in a row.
| Eastern Conference | Pts | GP |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Nashville SC | 67 | 30 |
| 2. Inter Miami CF | 55 | 30 |
| 3. New England Revolution | 52 | 30 |
| 4. Chicago Fire FC | 48 | 30 |
| 5. Charlotte FC | 47 | 30 |
Standings per ESPN. Miami are the defending MLS Cup champions after beating Vancouver 3-1 in last year's final.
What has Messi's year been like?
It has been an emotional one. Messi led Argentina to a second straight World Cup final in July, then lost it 1-0 to Spain in extra time (our report on the final). He later announced his international retirement and played a farewell friendly against Benin earlier this month.
Saturday's game in Atlanta was his first time back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since the World Cup semifinal, when ESPN says he set up two late goals to beat England.
Will Messi reach 1,000 career goals?
His coach thinks so. "Yes, I believe he'll reach 1,000 goals," said Cristian "Kily" González, Messi's former Argentina teammate, who took over at Miami on Sept. 16. "He loves a challenge, he sets challenges for himself and since he's already achieved everything else, this will be no exception."
Miami's next game is Saturday, Oct. 24, at the New York Red Bulls.
