Lionel Messi delivered another outstanding performance on Saturday evening as Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United.
The Argentine superstar was included in the starting XI for the MLS encounter against their Eastern Conference rivals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, playing a key role in helping his team claim all three points.
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Inter Miami entered the contest as strong favourites and broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, with Germán Berterame finding the back of the net.
Messi, who is among the contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, subsequently produced two superb goals within four minutes of the second half to put the visitors firmly in control with a three-goal lead.
His first strike arrived in the 56th minute. After collecting possession just inside his own half, Messi surged forward and exchanged a series of one-twos with Berterame before unleashing a powerful finish into the net.
A month ago, Junior Alonso blocked Messi’s shot and celebrated right in his face.
Today, Messi got his revenge. He left Alonso on the floor during his second goal and celebrated right in his face alongside De Paul. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/yCDDZPdTW8
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 18, 2026
Four minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again. He effortlessly dribbled past Atlanta defender Junior Alonso before calmly guiding the ball into the corner of the goal.
Atlanta managed to reduce the deficit in the 89th minute when Fafà Picault converted a penalty. However, the late goal was insufficient to inspire a comeback, as Inter Miami held on to claim a comfortable 3-1 win.
Following Messi’s second goal, the Argentine and his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul appeared to provoke the Atlanta players with their celebrations.
As the pair headed towards the halfway line after the goal, they deliberately celebrated directly in front of Alonso, seemingly rubbing their success in the defender’s face.
The gesture angered Alonso and several of his teammates, prompting them to confront the Inter Miami duo. Footage recorded by supporters captured the heated exchange, which can be viewed below.
The incident appears to have been connected to an earlier confrontation between the two teams during their previous meeting last month.
On September 6, Inter Miami and Atlanta United played out a 2-2 draw at Nu Stadium. Messi had a late opportunity to secure victory for his side, but his close-range attempt narrowly missed the target following a touch from Alonso.
The Paraguayan defender subsequently celebrated directly in front of Messi after preventing the Argentine from scoring.
Given the circumstances, it seems likely that Messi and De Paul had that previous encounter in mind when they chose to celebrate in Alonso’s face following the second goal.
Inter Miami now have just four games remaining in the 2026 MLS regular season. They currently sit second in the Eastern Conference standings and have already secured qualification for the playoffs.
Their next fixture is scheduled for October 24, when they travel to face the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
