Lionel Messi strengthened his position at the top of the Major League Soccer Golden Boot standings with two goals in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday.
The Argentina legend now has 25 MLS goals this season, six more than his closest challengers, after scoring twice in the second half to help Miami claim a third consecutive win.
German Berterame put Inter Miami ahead in the 45th minute, with Messi credited with a secondary assist for the opening goal. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then struck twice within four minutes after the interval.
Former Inter Miami forward Fafa Picault scored a late consolation for Atlanta United from the penalty spot.
Messi has also moved level with Son Heung-Min of Los Angeles FC for the most assists in the league this season, with both players on 15.
Messi takes control after half-time
Berterame’s goal gave Miami the lead shortly before the break, but Messi became the central figure after the restart.
He doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 56th minute after cutting in from the right wing and exchanging passes with Berterame close to the edge of the penalty area. Messi then beat an Atlanta defender before sending a low shot into the net.
Four minutes later, he added a second with another individual effort. Luis Suarez released Messi on a breakaway, and the forward took on a further defender before finishing with his left foot past Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.
The brace lifted Messi’s career goals tally to 936, moving him closer to the landmark of 1,000 goals. Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez said Messi’s performance left him in awe.
Gonzalez believes Messi can reach 1,000 career goals, citing the forward’s continued appetite for new challenges.
Messi makes another mark in Atlanta
The match created another memorable occasion for Messi at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It was his first appearance at the venue since Argentina’s dramatic victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final in July. Messi provided two late assists in that match as Argentina secured victory.
His form has remained strong since he said farewell to the Argentina national team in a friendly against Benin earlier this month. He has scored four goals in his past three matches.
Inter Miami secured their place in the playoffs on Wednesday and are now second in the Eastern Conference behind runaway leaders Nashville. Saturday’s result extended their winning streak to three matches.
Atlanta United, managed by Gerardo “Tata” Martino, remain 14th in the Eastern Conference. Martino previously coached Messi at both Inter Miami and Argentina, but Atlanta face an uphill battle to qualify for the postseason.
Inter Miami’s next match is away to the New York Red Bulls next Saturday.