Messi double helps Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3–1

Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3–1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night in the United States, with the match finishing early on Sunday, 18 October, South African time.

Germán Berterame opened the scoring just before half-time, before Messi added two second-half goals. Fafa Picault scored a late penalty for Atlanta.

The win also brought a personal milestone for Luis Suárez. Inter Miami confirmed that his two assists took him to 100 goal contributions for the club across all competitions: 57 goals and 43 assists in 115 appearances.

Miami pull away after the break

Atlanta kept the visitors out for much of the opening half, but Suárez supplied the cross that Berterame headed in to give Miami a 1–0 lead at the interval.

The hosts had a chance to level after the restart when Breel Embolo found Miguel Almirón, whose effort was stopped by goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Messi then combined with Berterame before finishing for Miami’s second goal. Suárez helped create the next on the counterattack, with Messi beating a defender and lifting his finish into the net.

Atlanta continued to push forward. Matt Edwards hit the post late in the game before substitute Picault won and converted a penalty against his former club, reducing the deficit to two goals.

Suárez reaches club milestone

Inter Miami said Suárez is the second player in its history to reach 100 goal contributions, behind Messi. He joined the club ahead of the 2024 season.

Atlanta’s next match is at home to Chicago Fire on Saturday, 24 October, according to the club’s match report.