Spearheaded by Lionel Messi, Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in a Major League Soccer match held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Argentine-born forward Germán Berterame—who also holds Mexican citizenship—opened the scoring in the first half following a pass from Luis Suárez. In the second half, Lionel Messi demonstrated his class by netting a brace, effectively sealing the result against the side managed by Gerardo Martino.
With this positive outcome, the Florida franchise extended its winning streak following its recent qualification for the playoffs—a run that included a victory over New York City FC, with goals from Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul. The win brings “The Herons” (Las Garzas) to 55 points in the Eastern Conference, keeping them in pursuit of league leaders Nashville SC with four matches remaining in the regular season.
The Argentina national team captain was once again the standout performer, scoring two goals within a four-minute span in the second half. The Rosario native not only decided the outcome against the Atlanta side but also showcased his seamless chemistry with the various attacking options available to the coaching staff.
This victory is crucial for the team’s positioning ahead of the postseason knockout stages:
“The Herons” now have 55 points and are looking to close the 11-point gap behind leaders Nashville SC, who still have a game in hand.
The team aims to secure home-field advantage for the early rounds of the playoffs by capitalizing on the four remaining matches of the regular season.
The MLS schedule is now entering its most critical phase ahead of the start of the playoffs. Inter Miami faces a demanding stretch of matches, beginning this coming Saturday, October 24, with an away game against the New York Red Bulls.
Following that, the team will host FC Cincinnati at their home stadium on Wednesday, October 28. In the final stretch, Martino’s side will travel to face the New England Revolution on Sunday, November 1, and will conclude the regular season at home against Charlotte FC on Friday, November 7.
