Messi Brace Powers Inter Miami to Third Straight MLS Victory

ATLANTA: (Sports Desk) – Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 on Saturday, strengthening their Major League Soccer (MLS) title defence with the playoffs approaching.

The 39-year-old Argentine superstar took his league-leading tally to 25 goals, moving six clear of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Philadelphia Union forward Milan Iloski in the MLS scoring race.

Messi produced a decisive performance at the same Atlanta stadium where he helped Argentina defeat England in the World Cup semi-finals in July. The victory marked Miami’s third consecutive league win.

Inter Miami opened the scoring shortly before half-time when Messi headed the ball towards Luis Suarez, who escaped his marker and delivered a lofted pass for German Berterame to head home in the 45th minute.

Berterame then turned provider in the 56th minute, setting up Messi, who dribbled past Atlanta’s defence before firing a left-footed shot from the centre of the penalty area to double Miami’s advantage.

Just four minutes later, Messi struck again. Receiving a pass from Suarez, he broke through the defence, outmanoeuvred Junior Alonso and beat goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to make it 3-0.

Atlanta managed a late consolation when Fafa Picault converted a penalty in the 89th minute, but it was not enough to prevent another defeat.

Messi also registered an assist, drawing level with LAFC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the league’s assists chart. He became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

The brace took Messi’s tally to four goals in three appearances since his emotional Argentina farewell. Inter Miami had already secured a playoff berth on Wednesday and continued their winning run under Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who took charge last month.

Atlanta United, coached by Gerardo Martino, remain second from bottom in the Eastern Conference and face an increasingly difficult task in their bid to reach the playoffs.

St. Louis Unbeaten Run Comes to an End

Elsewhere, St. Louis City’s MLS record-equalling 19-match unbeaten run ended with a 3-2 defeat away to Minnesota United.

St. Louis took an early lead through Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro and South Korean winger Jeong Sang-bin. Minnesota responded after the break, with Aziel Jackson scoring in the 49th minute before Kelvin Yeboah levelled the contest in the 68th.

Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira then scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute to complete Minnesota’s comeback.

The defeat prevented St. Louis City from moving beyond the 19-game unbeaten mark they shared with Columbus Crew, FC Dallas and Inter Miami. Their MLS-record 21-match unbeaten streak across all competitions also came to an end.

St. Louis had gone unbeaten in league action since losing 2-0 away to Austin on May 3, recording 13 victories and six draws during that stretch. The club has already secured its first playoff appearance since 2023.

Philadelphia’s Unbeaten Streak Reaches 15 Matches

Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten run to 15 MLS matches after recovering to draw 2-2 at home against Charlotte.

The Union had won eight consecutive league matches before the draw, continuing an impressive revival under interim head coach Ryan Richter, who took charge during the league’s World Cup break.

Since Richter’s appointment, Philadelphia have recorded 12 victories and three draws, collecting 39 points from a possible 45.

Their remarkable run began after a 6-4 defeat away to Inter Miami on May 24, with the Union subsequently establishing themselves among the league’s most consistent sides as the postseason approaches.