Lionel Messi continues to redefine greatness in the United States. The Inter Miami superstar etched his name into Major League Soccer’s history books by becoming the first-ever player to record nine multi-goal games in a single regular season, following his dazzling brace in Miami’s 4–0 victory over Atlanta United on Sunday night at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale.
Messi, who sat out Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela the previous evening in Miami, returned fresh and ruthless. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 39th minute, elegantly curling a shot into the top corner after controlling a pinpoint cross from Baltasar Rodríguez. He added his second late in the 87th minute, finishing off a slick assist from close friend Jordi Alba who was playing his final home match of the season.
Messi’s two goals take his season tally to 26, placing him firmly atop the Golden Boot race. He also played a crucial part in Miami’s second goal, launching a long diagonal ball to Alba, who coolly lobbed Atlanta’s young goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert just seven minutes into the second half.
The emphatic win secured at least the No.3 seed for Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference. They still have a shot at finishing second if they manage to outpace FC Cincinnati both clubs currently sit level on 62 points, though Cincinnati hold the head to head advantage.
Off the pitch, Messi’s calendar remains as star-studded as his performances. The Argentine icon is set for a three-day “G.O.A.T. Tour” in India this December, travelling alongside teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. According to reports, the trio will fly from Miami to Kolkata via Dubai in a private jet, with additional stops planned in Ahmedabad, Mumbai (December 14), and Delhi (December 15).
Sources also hint that talks are ongoing to bring Brazilian superstar Neymar onboard for the India tour a reunion fans across the world would love to see.
