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2h ago

Messi Brace and Assist Lift Inter Miami to 4-0 Win, Playoff Home Field and Golden Boot Lead

Argentina’s decision to rest him created a rare club window that Messi seized with a decisive display.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025
Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suarez (9) celebrates with forward Lionel Messi (10) after scoring a goal against Los Angeles Galaxy
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Overview

  • Messi scored twice and set up Jordi Alba in a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, clinching Inter Miami home-field advantage in the first playoff round and pulling the club level with FC Cincinnati on 62 points for second in the East.
  • The forward moved atop the MLS Golden Boot race with 26 goals and tied the league lead with 18 assists, per match reports and league statistics.
  • With the brace, Messi set an MLS single‑season mark with nine multi‑goal games.
  • His availability followed Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni’s choice to sit him for Friday’s friendly vs. Venezuela, with Argentina’s next match relocated to Tuesday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
  • Alba scored and was honored postmatch ahead of his season-end retirement, Luis Suárez added a volley, and this was Miami’s final regular-season game at Chase before the planned 2026 move to Miami Freedom Park; media also report, without confirmation, that Miami is exploring a Neymar signing and new deals for Messi and Suárez.