17 March 2025
Lionel Messi scored his first goal in MLS this season, leading his team, Inter Miami, to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atlanta United in the fourth round of the competition early Monday morning. Atlanta United took an early lead through Emmanuel Lati Laz in the 11th minute, before Messi equalized for Inter Miami in the 20th minute.
Messi's teammates clinched the victory with a late goal by Fava Picoult in the 89th minute.
With this victory, Inter Miami moved to 10 points at the top of the Eastern Conference, maintaining their unbeaten record, while Atlanta United remained undefeated at four points in twelfth place.
Messi celebrated scoring in 22 different league seasons after a long career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. The Argentine veteran has now scored 854 goals in his career, including 742 for club teams.
Lionel Messi also increased his goal tally to 4 goals in all competitions this season, following his three goals in the CONCACAF Champions League, and also celebrated his 38th goal for Inter Miami since joining the American club in the summer of 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain.
