Messi leads Inter Miami past Atlanta with two goals and an assist

Lionel Messi continued his stellar run of form for Inter Miami as he scored twice and added an assist to lead the Herons past Atlanta United 3-1.

German Berterame opened the scoring at the end of the first half when he capitalized on some stellar lead-up play from Messi and Luis Suarez to head the ball past Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.

Messi nabbed his first goal in the 56th minute and made it a three-goal lead just four minutes later, with a late converted penalty the sole bright spot for Atlanta.

Messi pushed his season tally for goals to a league-leading 25, while his 15th assist puts him at the top in that category alongside former Tottenham striker Son Heung Min.

He has four matches left in the regular season to best Carlos Vela’s record 49 goal contributions, with New York Red Bulls awaiting Inter Miami next Saturday.