Inter Miami CF concluded their 2025 home regular season schedule in resounding fashion, defeating Atlanta United FC 4–0 at Chase Stadium. The evening belonged to Lionel Messi, who scored twice to become the first player in MLS history with ninth multi-goal game in one regular season a league record.
Lionel Messi wow! No way you hate this guy if you really love football, he is Just unbelievable and out of this world pic.twitter.com/gJjXcAv2ST
---Advertisement---— Kobi (@UtdKobi) October 12, 2025
Veterans Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba also found the scoresheet, with goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo sealing things at the back, bagging a clean sheet through three pivotal saves.
Messi Ends the Stalemate after Early Miss
Messi almost broke the deadlock in the 21st minute but saw his left-footed shot from the center of the box kept out by Atlanta’s goalkeeper.
However, the Argentine maestro made no mistake in the 39th minute, curling a stunning shot into the top left corner after Rodriguez won the ball high up the pitch and fed it to Messi on the right. It was Messi’s 25th goal of the regular season, putting him firmly in front in the Golden Boot race, and Rodriguez’s third assist of the campaign.
Suarez Strikes the Bar, Ríos Novo Posts Crucial Save
On the eve of halftime, Suarez came within inches of making it 2–0 during stoppage time, with his fierce volley from near distance created by a delicate Messi throughball striking the crossbar. Shortly afterwards, Ríos Novo intervened at the opposite end, making a sharp dive to repel Leo Afonso and keep Inter Miami one up going into halftime.
Alba and Suarez Double the Lead
Inter Miami doubled the advantage early in the second half when Jordi Alba chipped the ball over the rushing keeper in the 52nd minute. The goal came after an outstanding long ball from Messi, which was his 18th assist in the season. Alba’s strike was his sixth in the campaign.
Luis Suarez scored a third in the 61st minute, hitting a first-time shot from the edge of the box into the top right corner. Suarez’s goal took his season haul to 10 goals.
Messi Seals It Late
Messi sealed the rout in the 87th minute, scoring his second of the evening and 26th overall of the season, widening his advantage in the Golden Boot standings. He was set up by Alba, his 14th assist of the season, closing out a shining performance from the pair of past Barcelona greats.
Inter Miami Secure Home Ground for Playoffs
The commanding win not only earned Inter Miami three points, but also home-field advantage in the first round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
They are next headed to Nashville SC for their final regular season game on Saturday.
