Lionel Messi starred for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a 4-0 MLS victory over Atlanta United, just a day after being rested by Argentina for their friendly against Venezuela. The 38-year-old captain’s performance underlined his enduring quality and secured his position atop the MLS scoring charts.
Rested by Argentina, Ready for Miami
Messi had been called up for Argentina’s matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, with the latter relocated from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. Despite training with the national team, he watched Friday’s 1-0 win against Venezuela from the stands. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni explained he wanted to see Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez play together, leaving Messi on the bench.
Miami manager Javier Mascherano confirmed that the club requested Messi to leave the national setup to play in their home fixture. “It was his decision, and clearly he saw the opportunity that if he wasn’t going to play against Venezuela yesterday, we could use him,” Mascherano said.
Dominant Performance on the Pitch
Messi curled in his opener in the 39th minute and added a second in the 87th, bringing his MLS tally to 26 goals—two ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga in the golden boot race. He also set up Jordi Alba’s second-half strike, while Luis Suarez contributed Miami’s other goal in a comprehensive victory.
Mascherano praised Messi’s professionalism: “He is a very special player, he’s an icon, and even though he didn’t train last week with us, we saw what he did today. That for him was important.”
Play-Offs Secured
Inter Miami have already confirmed their play-off spot and sit third in the Eastern Conference, level on points with second-placed FC Cincinnati. With Messi in such fine form, the team looks poised to make a strong push in the MLS post-season.
Even at 38, Messi continues to show why he remains one of football’s all-time greats—delivering match-winning performances whether for club or country.
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