Lionel Messi continued to impress on Saturday night, scoring two goals in Inter Miami's 3–1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This match marked Messi's first appearance at the venue since he led Argentina to a win against England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal.
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With this performance, Messi is now the first player in MLS history to record 15 assists in three consecutive seasons, bringing his season tally to 25 goals and 15 assists. His first goal showcased his signature dribbling ability, as he advanced nearly the entire length of the field before finishing off a quick layoff. His second goal further solidified his position at the top of the MLS Golden Boot standings.
Inter Miami's new head coach, Kily González, expressed his admiration for Messi, noting he was not surprised by his extraordinary abilities at 39 years old. "I can’t believe this guy does what he does at 39 years of age," González said. He emphasized that Messi's happiness is crucial to his performance.
Under González, Inter Miami has now secured three wins in their last three matches, allowing just one goal during that stretch. This resurgence follows a difficult period earlier in the season, where the team managed only one victory in ten games, positioning them well as they aim to defend their MLS Cup title.
Messi is a frontrunner for his third consecutive MLS MVP Award and seeks a second straight Golden Boot as the playoffs approach. Looking ahead, Inter Miami will focus on securing a strong finish in the Eastern Conference with upcoming matches against Red Bull New York, FC Cincinnati, the New England Revolution, and Charlotte FC.