Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat Atlanta United 3-1

Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 in Major League Soccer (MLS), with Lionel Messi scoring twice in a Sunday morning fixture. The victory strengthened the Florida club’s position in the Supporters’ Shield race, while Miami had already secured a place in the playoffs with its previous win.

Germán Berterame scored Miami’s other goal at Atlanta’s home ground, while Fafà Picault netted the hosts’ only goal.

Berterame opened the scoring in the 45th minute, finishing a pass from Luis Suárez to give Miami the lead. In the 56th minute, Messi doubled the advantage with an assist from Berterame.

Four minutes later, in the 60th minute, Messi scored again following Suárez’s second assist of the match, putting Miami 3-0 ahead. Picault reduced the deficit for Atlanta with a penalty in the 89th minute.

After 30 league matches, Inter Miami have 55 points from 15 wins, 10 draws and five defeats, placing them second in the standings. Nashville lead the table with 67 points, while New England sit third with 52.