FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Lionel Messi led Inter Miami CF to a commanding 4-0 victory against Atlanta United FC on Saturday night at Chase Stadium. He briefly stepped away from international duty with the Argentina national team to secure important points for Miami.
Despite being selected by Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni for two October friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, Messi opted to play in Miami’s final regular season match of the MLS at Chase Stadium.
Starting in 2026, Miami will transition to its new facility, Miami Freedom Park.
Messi kicked off the scoring for the night, skillfully curling a ball into the top left corner, marking his 25th goal of the season.
He later assisted his longtime teammate Jordi Alba, who scored the second goal with a looping shot over the head of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert in his final regular-season MLS home game.
Alba, who announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season, was honored by Inter Miami following the match.
Luis Suárez scored Miami’s third goal in the 61st minute with a stunning right-footed volley from the edge of the penalty area, and Messi capped off the night with his second goal in the closing minutes.
Messi’s second goal brought his season total to 26, placing him two goals ahead of LAFC striker Denis Bouanga in the chase for the MLS Golden Boot.
Miami player Rodrigo De Paul, who played in Argentina’s win over Venezuela, celebrated each goal from the sidelines with fellow teammates Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi, and Giovani Lo Celso.
Several Miami players, including Telasco Segovia, Noah Allen, Ian Fray, and Mateo Silvetti, were also unavailable due to international commitments.
Messi may rejoin the Argentina national team for an upcoming friendly against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium on Tuesday, as Scaloni is optimistic about his participation. “Let’s hope Messi can be there on Tuesday,” Scaloni commented on Friday. “We’ll see how things develop in the coming days.”
As it stands, Miami is tied for second in points with FC Cincinnati heading into Decision Day next weekend. Miami will face Nashville away, while Cincinnati will host Montreal. The Philadelphia Union have already secured first place in the East and the Supporters’ Shield for the most points in the MLS regular season.