Sports

Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat Atlanta United 3-1

Stateline MEDIA Newsroom•October 18, 2026•3 min read

Lionel Messi scored two goals and one assist as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1 in MLS on Saturday night (17/10 US time). Messi leads the scoring charts (25 goals) and set a record with 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

Key Facts

Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1 in Major League Soccer (MLS) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, on Saturday night (17/10/2026 local time).
Lionel Messi scored two goals in the 56th and 60th minutes — just four minutes apart — and recorded one assist for Germán Berterame's opening goal late in the first half.
The opener was scored by Berterame from assists by Messi and Luis Suárez; Atlanta's consolation came from a Fafà Picault penalty in the 89th minute.
Messi now has 25 goals this season (most in MLS, six clear) and 15 assists (most, level with LAFC's Son Heung-min).
Messi became the first player in MLS history to record 15 or more assists in three consecutive seasons, and has contributed a goal in 13 straight matches.
Messi's 40 goal contributions this season are nine short of Carlos Vela's record (49 contributions, 2019); Miami have four matches remaining and have already secured a playoff spot.

Two Messi Goals in Four Minutes

Lionel Messi was once again the star of Inter Miami's victory. The Argentina captain scored twice within four minutes to lead Miami to a 3-1 win over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, on Saturday night (17/10/2026 local time).

Miami opened the scoring late in the first half through Germán Berterame, who finished off assists from Messi and Luis Suárez. After the break, Messi took over: in the 56th minute he cut in from the right, exchanged passes with Berterame, beat an Atlanta defender, and fired low into the net.

Four minutes later, a through ball from Suárez sent Messi clean through one-on-one. With his left foot, Messi again beat Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to make it 3-0. Atlanta could only pull one back through a Fafà Picault penalty in the 89th minute.

A New MLS Record

The brace took Messi's season tally to 25 goals, the most in MLS with a six-goal lead in the Golden Boot race. He also has 15 assists, the most, level with LAFC's Son Heung-min.

Messi is now the first player in MLS history to record 15 or more assists in three consecutive seasons. He has also contributed a goal in 13 straight matches, matching his second-longest such streak at club and international level.

Messi's 40 goal contributions this season are just nine short of Carlos Vela's record of 49 with Los Angeles FC in 2019. Messi still has four matches left to chase that record.

Miami Secure Playoff Spot

The win continued Inter Miami's fine run, with the club having already secured a place in the MLS playoffs. Cristian “Kily” González's side are now chasing the best possible seeding ahead of the knockout stage.

For Atlanta United, the defeat was a blow to their push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. After this match, Miami are scheduled to visit the New York Red Bulls on 24 October 2026. The win over Atlanta followed Miami's positive run that had already sealed their playoff ticket after beating New York City FC 2-0.