Inter Miami CF skipper scored his first goal in the 20th minute of their 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, equalizing after Emmanuel Latte Lath had put the hosts ahead in the early stages with an 11th-minute header in Sunday Night Soccer action sponsored by Continental Tire.
The equalizer came after Messi dispossessed Atlanta midfielder Bartosz Slisz, weaved past defender Derrick Williams, and delicately chipped the ball over goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Lionel Andres Messi ✨🐐 pic.twitter.com/WqYoIZNPEv
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 16, 2025
Messi’s Impact Early In The 2025 Season
This goal marked Messi’s second league appearance of the 2025 season, coming four matchdays into the campaign. The Argentine superstar had previously contributed two assists during Miami’s 2-2 comeback draw against New York City FC on MLS is Back weekend. This also marked Messi’s 38th goal for Inter Miami.
🐐 Lionel Messi’s 20th minute goal against Atlanta in the MLS is now his;
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) March 16, 2025
⚽️ 4th goal of the 2025 season
⚽️ 38th Inter Miami goal
⚽️ 742nd all time club goal
⚽️ 854th senior career goal pic.twitter.com/smxC7gYcJD
After missing three league games due to load management, Messi made his return to the lineup in the Concacaf Champions Cup, where he scored in Miami’s 2-0 midweek victory over Cavalier FC in Jamaica, helping his team reach the quarterfinals with three goals in the tournament so far.
Building On An MVP-Winning 2024 Season
Messi was instrumental in Miami’s record-breaking Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign last year, securing the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches. Despite their dominance in the regular season, Miami’s playoff journey ended unexpectedly as Atlanta United pulled off a stunning Best-of-3 Series upset in Round One of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Now, with another season underway, Messi continues to be the driving force behind Inter Miami’s aspirations for silverware in 2025.
