Messi scores twice in four minutes to lead Miami past Atlanta

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Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday.

Germán Berterame opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, finishing a move created by Messi and Luis Suárez. Messi then struck twice in the 56th and 60th minutes, with Berterame assisting both goals and Suárez setting up the second.

Messi’s 15th assist of the season put him level with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the league standings. He also became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

His two goals took his league tally to 25, while his total goal contributions for the season reached 40. He is now nine short of Carlos Vela’s MLS record of 49, set in 2019, with Miami having four matches remaining.

Atlanta scored a late consolation goal through Fafà Picault’s 89th-minute penalty. Both goalkeepers, Miami’s Dayne St. Clair and Atlanta’s Lucas Hoyos, made two saves.

Inter Miami will visit the New York Red Bulls next Saturday, while Atlanta United will host Chicago Fire.