Messi Doubles Up in Atlanta as Inter Miami Cruise to 3-1 Win

Messi takes over in Atlanta

Lionel Messi produced another clinic on Saturday, scoring two second half goals in quick succession to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory against Atlanta United.

The visitors broke the deadlock right on the stroke of halftime when Mexican forward Germán Berterame struck. Messi picked up a secondary assist on the play, but he took full control shortly after the restart.

In the 56th minute, Messi drove inside from the right flank, worked a rapid exchange with Berterame on the edge of the area, danced past a defender, and finished low. Four minutes later, Luis Suárez released Messi on a fast break. The Argentine attacker evaded another defender and slipped a left footed effort past Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos. Atlanta pulled one back late with a penalty from former Miami player Fafà Picault, but the game was already out of reach.

Record marks for Miami captain

The brace lifted Messi to 25 goals on the year, building a six goal lead atop the MLS scoring charts. He also shares the league lead with 15 assists alongside LAFC attacker Son Heung-Min. That makes Messi the first player in MLS history to collect at least 15 assists in three straight seasons.

Messi has now recorded a goal contribution in 13 consecutive matches, matching the second longest streak of his career for club and country. The 39 year old has scored four goals in three matches since playing his farewell game for Argentina against Benin earlier this month.

Inter Miami clinched a postseason berth earlier in the week and have won three games in a row under new manager Cristian "Kily" González. They sit second in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville. Atlanta United, managed by Gerardo "Tata" Martino, remain in 14th place.

What it means for the next game

Red Bull New York vs Inter Miami CF (MLS, Sat, 24 Oct): Red Bull New York win 26%, draw 22%, Inter Miami CF win 52%; expected goals 1.45 to 2.11. Our safest pick: Inter Miami CF or Draw.

Atlanta United FC vs Chicago Fire FC (MLS, Sat, 24 Oct): Atlanta United FC win 36%, draw 25%, Chicago Fire FC win 39%; expected goals 1.52 to 1.61. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals. Our best value pick: Chicago Fire FC to win.