Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 on the road, extending their winning streak to three matches in the 2026 MLS regular season.
The Argentine captain scored twice in the second half, while Germán Berterame opened the scoring before the break to put Inter Miami in control at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday.
Despite facing an Atlanta side that registered 21 shots, compared with Miami’s seven, the visitors proved far more clinical in front of goal. Their 54.1 per cent possession also helped them dictate important spells of the contest and secure another valuable victory.
The opening exchanges were evenly contested, but Inter Miami gradually found their rhythm as Messi began to influence the attack. The captain nearly broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a free kick that forced Atlanta’s goalkeeper into an impressive save in the top-right corner.
Miami eventually found the breakthrough four minutes later. Luis Suárez delivered an accurate cross from the right, allowing Berterame to rise inside the penalty area and head home in the 45th minute.
The goal was Berterame’s ninth of the regular season, while Suárez registered his 11th assist. Messi also claimed a secondary assist on the move, reaching 15 assists for the campaign and becoming the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Inter Miami returned from the break determined to strengthen their advantage, and Messi delivered in the 56th minute.
Collecting the ball in space on the right, the 39-year-old drove towards the middle of Atlanta’s defensive third before combining with Berterame in a quick one-two. Messi then broke into the left side of the penalty area and fired a low left-footed finish beyond the goalkeeper.
The goal marked Messi’s 24th of the regular season, while Berterame recorded his 10th assist of the campaign.
Four minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again to put the result beyond Atlanta’s reach. Suárez produced a superb outside-of-the-boot pass that sent Messi racing into space, leaving the forward to beat a defender before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner.
The finish completed Messi’s brace and took his MLS regular-season tally to 25 goals, strengthening his position in the race for the Golden Boot.
Suárez’s contribution was equally significant. His assist was his 12th of the campaign and brought him to 100 goal contributions for Inter Miami, making him only the second player in the club’s history to reach that milestone.
Atlanta continued pushing for a response and eventually reduced the deficit in the 89th minute when Fafa Picault converted a penalty. However, the late goal proved little more than consolation as Inter Miami held on for a 3-1 victory.
The result extended Miami’s winning run to three consecutive matches and improved their regular-season record to 15 wins, five defeats and 10 draws, taking them to 55 points.
Atlanta’s attacking statistics told the story of a side that created opportunities but failed to convert enough of them. The hosts recorded 21 shots and five corners, while Miami managed just seven attempts and two corners. Both goalkeepers made two saves, highlighting the difference in finishing rather than a lack of attacking activity.
For Inter Miami, Messi’s clinical performance once again proved decisive. His two goals, combined with Berterame’s contribution and Suárez’s historic milestone, ensured the team left Atlanta with maximum points.
Miami will now turn their attention to their next MLS fixture against Red Bull New York on Saturday, October 24. The match is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
With Messi continuing to deliver goals and records, Inter Miami will head into the next fixture aiming to extend their winning streak and maintain their momentum as the regular season progresses.
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