Messi scores twice as Inter Miami beat Atlanta 3-1

Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. German Berterame gave the Herons a 1-0 lead just before the interval, following a build-up where Messi headed a ball to Luis Suarez, who then assisted Berterame's header. According to Malay Mail, Messi was credited with the assist and the goal occurred in the 45th minute.

Messi scored his first goal in the 56th minute by cutting inside from the right flank to score a low finish, or according to Malay Mail, weaving through the defense to unleash a left-footed shot from the center of the box. Four minutes later, Messi scored his second goal on a breakaway after being released by a pass from Luis Suarez, beating marker Junior Alonso to score past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos. Fafa Picault scored for the hosts in the 89th minute.

The win marks Inter Miami's third consecutive victory. With 25 goals this campaign, Messi tops the Major League Soccer scoring chart. Yahoo Sports reports that Messi has become the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Punch, Yahoo Sports, Malay Mail — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.