Lionel Messi scores twice in four minutes as Inter Miami extend winning run

Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer on Sunday, extending the club’s winning sequence ahead of the play-offs.

The result was Inter Miami’s third consecutive win under Christian Kily Gonzalez, who took charge of the team last month. The club had already secured its place in the play-offs on Wednesday.

Inter Miami took the lead in the 45th minute through German Berterame. Messi headed the ball towards Luis Suarez, who escaped his marker inside the penalty area before setting up Berterame to score with a header.

Messi doubled the advantage in the 56th minute. He received the ball from Berterame, moved between Atlanta’s defenders and finished left-footed from inside the box.

Four minutes later, the Argentina forward scored again. Messi ran on to a pass from Suarez, went past Junior Alonso and struck the ball beyond Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.

Atlanta United reduced the deficit through Fafa Picault’s penalty in the 89th minute, but Inter Miami held on to secure all three points and continue their run of victories.

The 39-year-old Messi now has 25 goals in the MLS season and leads the scoring charts. He is six goals clear of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa and Philadelphia player Milan Iloski.

Messi also provided an assist against Atlanta, moving level with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min at the top of the assists standings. He has become the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

Messi has scored four goals in his past three matches since receiving an emotional tribute in Argentina. His contribution has taken him to 40 goal involvements this season, with 25 goals and 15 assists, as he continues his pursuit of a third successive MLS Most Valuable Player award.

Inter Miami’s victory moved them to 55 points and second place in the Eastern Conference. The club will compete in the play-off stage, which is scheduled to take place from 18 November to 18 December.

The top seven teams from each conference qualify directly for the last 16. Teams finishing eighth and ninth enter a play-in round for a place in the knockout stage.