Lionel Messi reaches 25 goals as Inter Miami extend winning streak

Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 in the MLS regular season. German Berterame also scored, while Luis Suarez reached 100 goal contributions for the club as Miami secured its third consecutive victory

Atlanta: A brace from captain Lionel Messi and a goal from German Berterame powered Inter Miami to a 3-1 away victory over Atlanta United FC as the club secured its third consecutive win in the MLS regular season.

The teams were evenly matched in the opening minutes before Inter Miami’s attack took over. Messi came close to opening the scoring with a free kick in the 41st minute, but Atlanta goalkeeper made a save in the top-right corner.

Berterame then handed Inter Miami the lead just before the break, scoring with a header from inside the penalty area in the 45th minute to capitalise on a pinpoint cross from the right by Suarez, Inter Miami reported.

The strike was Berterame’s ninth of the regular season, while the assist took Suarez’s tally to 11.

Additionally, Messi provided a secondary assist in the move, reaching 15 assists in the regular season and becoming the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

Inter Miami doubled its lead in the 56th minute. Messi picked up the ball in space on the right before moving into the centre of the attacking third, where he combined with Berterame for a quick give-and-go. Messi then broke into the left side of the box before scoring with a low left-footed shot.

The goal was Messi’s 24th of the league campaign, while the assist was Berterame’s 10th.

Messi struck again four minutes later to complete his brace in the 60th minute. The goal took his tally to 25 in the regular season, extending his lead in the race for the MLS Golden Boot.

The assist, meanwhile, was Suarez’s 12th of the league campaign and marked a historic milestone for the club, as he became only the second player to reach 100 goal contributions for Inter Miami.

The home side reduced the deficit in the 89th minute through a penalty from Fafa Picault. The 3-1 scoreline held until the final whistle as Inter Miami extended its winning run to three matches.