Messi extends lead in top scorers list with two goals in 4 minutes

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 chart with 25 goals, surpassing Croatian striker Petar Musa of FC Dallas (20 goals) and Milan Iloski of Philadelphia Union (19 goals).

On the same Atlanta field where Messi shone during 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 playing a pass to Messi, who dribbled past Atlanta’s 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. He bypassed Paraguayan defender Junior Alonso and fired past his compatriot, goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.

Messi’s tally rose to four goals in three matches since his emotional farewell to the Argentine national team after announcing his international retirement.