Lionel Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat Atlanta United 3–1 in MLS

Inter Miami CF defeated Atlanta United FC 3–1 in the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season on October 17, 2026, as Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist to help his side secure an important victory.

Germán Berterame opened the scoring just before half-time before Messi struck twice in the second half to put Inter Miami firmly in control. Atlanta United pulled one goal back late in the match through Fafà Picault's penalty, but Inter Miami held on to claim all three points.

 Germán Berterame Opens the Scoring

The match remained goalless for most of the first half, with both teams looking for an opportunity to take the lead.

Inter Miami eventually broke the deadlock in the 45th minute when Germán Berterame headed the ball into the net. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez combined in the build-up to the goal, giving Miami a crucial advantage heading into the interval.

The opening goal provided Inter Miami with momentum and set the stage for Messi to take control after the break.

Lionel Messi Scores a Second-Half Brace

Messi doubled Inter Miami's lead in the 56th minute, finishing an attacking move to put his team in a comfortable position.

Just four minutes later, the Argentine superstar scored again in the 60th minute, completing his brace and extending the advantage to 3–0.

Messi's two goals and contribution to Berterame's opener made him the central figure in Inter Miami's attacking performance. His influence helped the visitors establish a commanding lead before Atlanta United's late response.

 Atlanta United Score Late Through Fafà Picault

Atlanta United continued to search for a goal and finally found the net in the 89th minute.

Fafà Picault converted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 3–1, giving the home side a late consolation goal.

However, Atlanta could not mount a comeback in the closing minutes, and Inter Miami secured the victory at full-time.

 Inter Miami Strengthen Their MLS Campaign

The victory provides Inter Miami with an important result as the MLS regular season approaches its decisive stage. Messi's scoring form and Berterame's contribution highlighted the team's attacking quality.

Atlanta United, meanwhile, will look to recover from the defeat and improve its results in upcoming fixtures.

Inter Miami will aim to carry this momentum into its remaining matches as it continues its push in the Eastern Conference.

 Atlanta United vs Inter Miami: Match Summary

- Competition: Major League Soccer (MLS) Regular Season
- Date: October 17, 2026
- Final score: Atlanta United 1–3 Inter Miami CF
- Inter Miami scorers: Germán Berterame (45'), Lionel Messi (56', 60')
- Atlanta United scorer:Fafà Picault (89', penalty)
- Result:Inter Miami won 3–1
- Key performer: Lionel Messi — two goals and an assist

Inter Miami's 3–1 victory was powered by Messi's decisive second-half performance, while Atlanta United's late penalty was not enough to change the outcome.