FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi captained Inter Miami CF to a 4-0 overcome Atlanta United FC on Saturday evening at Chase Stadium, briefly leaving worldwide obligation with the Argentina nationwide group to assist clinch the essential three factors for the Herons.
Although he was referred to as up by Argentina supervisor Lionel Scaloni for the 2 pleasant matches of the October FIFA window towards Venezuela and Puerto Rico, Messi as an alternative featured for Miami within the last common season Main League Soccer match at Chase Stadium.
Miami will transfer into its new residence, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.
Messi scored the primary objective of the evening, curling the ball into the highest left nook for his twenty fifth of the season.
The membership captain later arrange longtime teammate Jordi Alba for the second objective of the sport, because the defender looped a shot over the top of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert on his last ever regular-season MLS residence recreation.
Alba introduced his retirement from soccer on the finish of the 2025 MLS marketing campaign and acquired a particular tribute from Inter Miami following the ultimate whistle Saturday evening.
“Nicely, I feel I’ve had an excellent profession, being in very snug groups in all senses,” Alba mentioned after watching a video tribute to him. “This video displays the reality that the membership has been a shock, good as a result of I noticed a number of managers of a number of golf equipment, some coaches I’ve had all through my profession, and the reality is that it’s been particular and, nicely, pleased with every thing I’ve achieved.
“Now, to have the final recreation towards Nashville, then the playoffs, and hopefully I can win them, after which I can relaxation.”
Luis Suárez volleyed in Miami’s third objective of the evening within the 61st minute with an beautiful right-footed strike from the highest of the penalty space and Messi added his second within the dying minutes to complete off the scoring.
Messi’s second of the evening put him on 26 for the season, two forward of LAFC striker Denis Bouanga within the race for the MLS Golden Boot.
Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who featured in Argentina’s pleasant win towards Venezuela on Friday, celebrated every objective from the sidelines alongside La Albiceleste gamers Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso.
Miami gamers Telasco Segovia, Noah Allen, Ian Fray and Mateo Silvetti additionally missed out on Saturday’s motion as a result of worldwide obligation.
Messi may rejoin the Argentina nationwide group for the upcoming pleasant match Tuesday evening towards Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, with Scaloni remaining hopeful of his participation.
“Let’s hope Messi could be there on Tuesday,” Scaloni mentioned Friday. “We’ll see how issues unfold within the coming days.”
Miami is tied on factors in second place with FC Cincinnati going into Choice Day subsequent weekend. Miami is away at Nashville, whereas Cincinnati hosts Montreal. The Philadelphia Union have locked up first place within the East in addition to the Supporters’ Defend for essentially the most factors within the MLS common season.