Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist to guide Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Argentine superstar also made history by recording at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons in the league.

Miami took the lead in the first half of the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday (October 18). Messi extended the advantage with two goals after the break, while Atlanta pulled one back from the penalty spot late in the game.

Messi scored in the 56th and 60th minutes, with both goals assisted by Germán Berterame. Luis Suárez also contributed to the second goal. The Miami captain had already set up a goal in the first half, contributing both a goal and an assist in the match.

Messi has now scored 25 goals in the current MLS season and registered 15 assists. He remains in contention for the Golden Boot. Son Heung-min, the South Korean star playing for Los Angeles FC, has also recorded 15 assists.

Messi won the MLS Golden Boot last season with 29 goals. He and Josef Martínez are the only players in league history to score at least 25 goals in two separate seasons.

Messi has contributed to 40 goals through goals and assists so far this season. He is nine short of Carlos Vela’s single-season MLS record of 49 goal contributions, set with Los Angeles FC in 2019, with four matches remaining.

The performance also brought Messi’s career total to 936 goals in professional football.

Source: Dhaka Post