Lionel Messi once again displayed his magic as Inter Miami demolished Atlanta United 4-0 in a thrilling MLS encounter that saw the Argentine superstar reclaim the top spot in the league’s scoring chart.
Messi, who started the night tied with Denis Bouanga on 24 goals, moved ahead after netting twice to bring his tally to 26 this season. His opening goal in the 39th minute was a work of art, a trademark left footed curler into the top corner after Baltasar Rodriguez intercepted a pass and set him up just outside the box.
Earlier, Atlanta’s goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert had denied Messi in the 13th minute, but there was no stopping the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner this time.
In the second half, Messi turned playmaker, delivering a sharp assist to Jordi Alba, who lifted the ball over Hibbert in the 52nd minute to make it 2-0. The goal carried extra emotion, marking a memorable moment in Alba’s farewell season before retirement.
Luis Suarez extended the lead in the 61st minute, and Messi completed the rout in the 87th with a composed strike from the center of the box, following another assist from Alba.
The clash also marked Inter Miami’s last home match at their current venue, with the team set to relocate to their new Miami Freedom Park stadium next season.
