FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi captained Inter Miami CF to a 4-0 triumph over Atlanta United FC on Saturday night at Chase Stadium, briefly leaving international duty with the Argentina national team to help clinch the crucial three points for the Herons.
Though he was called up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for the two friendly matches of the October FIFA window against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, Messi instead featured for Miami in the final regular-season Major League Soccer match at Chase Stadium.
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Miami will move into its new home, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.
“It was pretty straightforward yesterday before the game,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi’s availability. “I spoke with Scaloni, and he told me he was going to release him, that he wasn’t going to use him. I spoke with Leo about letting him play today; there’s not much more to it. He didn’t intend to play him yesterday; he wanted to see something else. As the coach said, it was his decision.
“Well, we clearly saw the opportunity that, since he didn’t play yesterday against Venezuela, we could use him. Leo was also clearly willing to do so, even though he trained all week with the national team. We know he’s a totally special player; he’s unique, and for us, clearly, even though he didn’t train with us, well, we saw what he did today. So, he helped us win. He scored, which was also important for him.”
Messi scored the first goal of the night, curling the ball into the top left corner for his 25th of the season.
The club captain later set up longtime teammate Jordi Alba for the second goal of the game, as the defender looped a shot over the head of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert in his final regular-season MLS home game.
Alba announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign and received a special tribute from Inter Miami following the final whistle Saturday night.
“Well, I think I’ve had a very good career, being in very comfortable teams in all senses,” Alba said after watching a video tribute to him. “This video reflects the truth that the club has been a surprise, nice because I saw several managers of several clubs, some coaches I’ve had throughout my career, and the truth is that it’s been special and, well, proud of everything I’ve achieved.
“Now, to have the last game against Nashville, then the playoffs, and hopefully I can win them, and then I can rest.”
Luis Suárez volleyed in Miami’s third goal of the night in the 61st minute with an exquisite right-footed strike from the top of the penalty area, and Messi added his second in the dying minutes to finish off the scoring.
Messi’s second of the night put him on 26 for the season, two ahead of LAFC striker Denis Bouanga in the race for the MLS Golden Boot.
“At this point in his life isn’t going to change him too much,” Mascherano said of Messi potentially winning the Golden Boot. “But as you can see, if he has it there, he’ll try to get it. So welcome, always with a great night for the team, for him, for everyone.”
Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who featured in Argentina’s friendly win against Venezuela on Friday, celebrated each goal from the sideline alongside La Albiceleste players Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso.
Miami players Telasco Segovia, Noah Allen, Ian Fray and Mateo Silvetti also missed out on Saturday’s action due to international duty.
Messi could rejoin the Argentina national team for the upcoming friendly match Tuesday night against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, with Scaloni remaining hopeful of his participation.
“Let’s hope Messi can be there on Tuesday,” Scaloni said Friday. “We’ll see how things unfold in the coming days.”
Miami is tied on points in second place with FC Cincinnati going into the last matchday of the regular season next Saturday. Miami is away to Nashville, while Cincinnati hosts Montreal. The Philadelphia Union have locked up first place in the East as well as the Supporters’ Shield for the most regular-season points.
