Miami | October 12, 2025 — Lionel Messi was at his brilliant best once again, scoring twice and assisting another as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, tightening their hold on a top playoff spot in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference.

The Argentine superstar’s brace — his 25th and 26th goals of the season — lifted him past Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC in the Golden Boot race, where both had been level on 24 goals before kickoff.

Messi Fires Miami Into Commanding Lead

Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a trademark left-footed strike that curled past Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert into the top corner. The goal came after Baltasar Rodriguez stole possession and teed up Messi just outside the box.

Earlier in the match, Hibbert had denied the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in the 13th minute after a series of threatening attempts.

Messi turned provider early in the second half, setting up Jordi Alba’s 52nd-minute goal with a perfectly weighted lofted pass. Alba’s classy chip over the keeper was his sixth goal of the season — a fitting moment on a night Miami paid tribute to the Spanish fullback, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the MLS campaign.

Suárez and Alba Join the Party

Veteran striker Luis Suárez added Miami’s third goal in the 61st minute, capitalizing on Messi’s influence and sustained attacking pressure. Messi then sealed the victory in the 87th minute, slotting home from the center of the box after another precise assist from Alba.

The win moved Miami level on 62 points with FC Cincinnati, four behind Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia, who have already clinched the Supporters’ Shield.

A Night of Farewell and Form

Saturday’s clash marked Inter Miami’s final home game of the regular season at Chase Stadium, as the club prepares to move to its new Miami Freedom Park next year.

Despite being in the middle of an international break, Messi’s participation had been uncertain until hours before kickoff. The Argentine captain trained earlier in the week with the national team but skipped Argentina’s 1-0 win over Venezuela in Miami to stay fit for club duty.

With another masterclass performance, Messi reaffirmed his dominance in the MLS, positioning himself as the clear frontrunner for the league’s Golden Boot and keeping Inter Miami’s championship hopes alive heading into the playoffs.

Image Source: AP / Lynne Sladky | Image Credit: Respective Owner