Messi strengthens his lead in MLS scoring chart with two goals in four minutes
Lionel Messi scored two goals in four minutes, strengthening his lead in the MLS scoring chart and leading Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Argentine star Lionel Messi scored two goals within four minutes, leading Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over host Atlanta United, as the team’s push to defend its Major League Soccer (MLS) title gains further momentum ahead of the playoffs.
The 39-year-old Messi strengthened his lead in the league’s scoring charts with 25 goals, surpassing Croatian striker Petar Musa of FC Dallas (20 goals) and Milan Iloski of Philadelphia Union (19 goals).
At the same Atlanta stadium where Messi shone in the North American World Cup, the Argentine star netted two brilliant goals to secure Inter Miami’s third consecutive win.
The Argentine-born, Mexican-naturalized Germán Berterame, who gave the visitors the lead in the 45th minute, set up the second goal by passing to Messi, who dribbled past the Atlanta defense before firing with his left foot from the center of the penalty area in the 56th minute.
Four minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, awarded to the world’s best player, scored his second personal goal and Inter Miami’s third, following a run from midfield after a pass from his former Barcelona teammate, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez. Messi bypassed Paraguayan defender Junior Alonso and scored past his compatriot, goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.
Messi extended his tally to four goals in three matches since his emotional farewell to the Argentine national team following his announcement of international retirement.
“La Pulga” (The Flea) had also helped put Inter Miami ahead before the end of the first half, when he headed a pass to Suárez inside the penalty area. Suárez then delivered a cross that Berterame headed into the net.
Messi provided an assist to equal South Korean Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC at the top of the assists list.
Messi is the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
Inter Miami, which secured its playoff berth on Wednesday, also claimed its third straight win under Argentine coach Cristian “Celly” González, who took charge last month.
In the 89th minute, Fafa Picault scored a consolation goal for Atlanta from a penalty kick. However, the team managed by Argentine coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino continues to struggle with results, sitting in second-to-last place in the Eastern Conference.
