Inter Miami Crushes Atlanta United 4-0, Led by Messi’s Brilliance

Inter Miami CF delivered a resounding statement on Saturday night, overwhelming Atlanta United 4-0 at Chase Stadium in their final 2025 MLS regular season home match. The electric crowd witnessed a masterclass from Lionel Messi, who not only netted a brace but also etched his name into league history with his ninth multi-goal game of the season—a record for Major League Soccer. From the opening whistle, the intensity crackled in the humid Miami air. Both sides pressed high, but it was the Herons who steadily seized control. Early forays by Atlanta’s Dominik Chong Qui and Emmanuel Latte Lath were smothered by the alert Rocco Ríos Novo, whose three key saves secured a clean sheet and steadied Inter Miami’s backline. But the night belonged to Messi. Skipping Argentina duty to lead his club, the captain unleashed a torrent of attempts, stinging the gloves of Atlanta keeper Jayden Hibbert twice in the opening twenty minutes. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute—Baltasar Rodríguez intercepted deep in Atlanta’s half and slipped the ball to Messi on the right. The maestro glided into the box and curled a left-footed rocket into the top corner, igniting the Chase Stadium faithful. That was Messi’s 25th league goal, strengthening his grip on the Golden Boot race. The Herons, relentless and hungry, nearly doubled their lead in first-half stoppage as Luis Suárez volleyed off the crossbar after a delicious Messi delivery. After the interval, Jordi Alba—who has become a crucial attacking outlet for Miami—doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute. Messi, ever the visionary, lofted a fifty-yard pass to Alba, who calmly chipped the keeper for his sixth goal of the season and Messi’s 18th assist. Atlanta tried to muster a response, but the night was unkind to their strikers. Latte Lath and Jamal Thiaré both saw chances go begging as Inter Miami’s defense held firm. The Uruguayan talisman Suárez, who had threatened throughout, made it three in the 61st minute with a thunderous first-time strike from outside the box—his tenth of the campaign. Messi wasn’t finished. In the 87th, Jordi Alba returned the favor, floating a ball to Messi at the far post. The Argentine chested it down and dispatched a clinical finish to the far corner, sealing the 4-0 triumph and marking his 26th goal this season. Alba’s 14th assist underscored the seamless chemistry between the former Barcelona teammates. The final whistle marked not just a dominant victory but also home-field advantage for Inter Miami in the first round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. With 62 points (18W-7L-8D), the Herons are firmly in the hunt for the Eastern Conference’s second seed, brimming with momentum as the postseason looms. Messi’s performance was nothing short of historic—a testament to his enduring brilliance and hunger for silverware in Miami. For Atlanta United, it was a sobering night, their playoff hopes dashed under the weight of Inter Miami’s relentless attack and the magic of their number 10. For full match details and post-game analysis, visit Match Recap: Inter Miami CF 4, Atlanta United FC 0 and check out the official Inter Miami CF Twitter for behind-the-scenes highlights and celebrations.