Lionel Messi scores twice in Inter Miami win against Atlanta United

Lionel Messi netted two goals as Inter Miami secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Atlanta United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Argentine forward put the Herons ahead in the first half, assisting in German Berterame's goal. Messi then extended his lead with a low finish in the 56th minute, before adding a second in the 61st minute following a breakaway assisted by Luis Suarez.

Fafa Picault managed to equalise for Atlanta in the 89th minute, but Miami's three-goal advantage proved decisive. Messi's performance has seen him become the first player in MLS history to achieve at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons, and he now stands just three goals away from reaching the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.