Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 on Saturday, extending their winning streak to three matches as the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs approach.
The Argentine superstar continued his impressive scoring form, taking his league tally to 25 goals. He leads the MLS scoring chart by six goals over FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Philadelphia Union forward Milan Iloski.
The victory also strengthened Miami’s momentum as they prepare to defend their MLS title. The team had already secured a place in the playoffs earlier in the week.
Messi Shines With Two Second-Half Goals
Inter Miami took the lead shortly before half-time through German Berterame, who scored in the 45th minute. Messi helped create the opportunity by heading the ball to Luis Suarez, who moved past his defender and lifted a pass into the penalty area. Berterame headed the ball into the net to give Miami a 1-0 advantage.
Miami doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Berterame turned provider. He found Messi, who moved through Atlanta’s defence before firing a left-footed shot from the centre of the box.
Just four minutes later, Messi scored again. He broke away after receiving a pass from Suarez and got past Atlanta defender Junior Alonso before sending the ball beyond goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.
The two goals gave Miami control of the match and continued Messi’s strong run of form following his emotional farewell appearance for Argentina.
Fafa Picault converted a penalty in the 89th minute to score Atlanta’s only goal. However, the home side could not mount a late comeback and suffered another setback in their effort to reach the playoffs.
Messi Matches Assist Record
Messi also recorded an assist during the match, bringing him level with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the MLS assists chart.
He became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons, adding another milestone to his growing list of achievements in the league.
Messi has now scored four goals in three matches since his Argentina farewell. Inter Miami have also won three consecutive games under coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who took charge last month.
The result gives Miami further confidence ahead of the postseason, while Atlanta face increasing pressure as they remain near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
St. Louis City’s Unbeaten Run Comes to an End
Elsewhere in MLS, St. Louis City’s record-tying 19-match unbeaten league run ended with a 3-2 defeat away to Minnesota United.
St. Louis made a strong start, with Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro and South Korean winger Jeong Sang-bin scoring early goals. Minnesota responded through Aziel Jackson in the 49th minute and Kelvin Yeboah in the 68th minute.
Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira then scored the winning goal in the 86th minute to complete Minnesota’s comeback.
St. Louis had been unbeaten in league action since losing 2-0 to Austin on May 3. Their run included 13 wins and six draws. The club had already secured a playoff place for the first time since 2023 but missed the opportunity to set a new MLS record for consecutive unbeaten matches.
The defeat also ended St. Louis City’s MLS-record 21-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Philadelphia’s Unbeaten Run Reaches 15 Matches
Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten league run to 15 matches after drawing 2-2 with Charlotte.
Philadelphia had won eight consecutive MLS matches before the draw. Since Ryan Richter became interim head coach during the league’s World Cup break, the Union have collected 39 points from a possible 45, recording 12 wins and three draws.
Their only defeat in that period came against Inter Miami, who beat Philadelphia 6-4 on May 24.
With the playoffs approaching, Miami’s latest victory, St. Louis City’s defeat and Philadelphia’s continued consistency have added further interest to the MLS race.
