Inter Miami delivered a sparkling performance on October 11, 2025, as the club closed out its Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season home campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The night was packed with storylines—Lionel Messi’s dazzling return, a record-breaking milestone, and an emotional tribute to Jordi Alba, who was honored for his impending retirement. With the playoffs looming, Inter Miami’s emphatic display sent a clear message to the rest of the league: this team means business.
There was much anticipation ahead of kickoff, with fans and pundits alike wondering if Messi would feature after recent international duty with Argentina. The star forward had been called up for the national team’s friendlies but, in a twist that fueled both excitement and debate, opted to play for his club instead. Messi was seen earlier in the week training with Argentina at Inter Miami’s facilities, but ultimately, national team coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed, “I decided that Leo would not play. We wanted to try Lautaro and Julián. It was simply my decision.” That left the door open for Messi to star for Inter Miami, and star he did.
The match began with a balanced tempo, but it didn’t take long for Inter Miami to assert control. Atlanta United, languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and winless in their previous four matches, struggled to contain Miami’s technical prowess. The home side, already qualified for the playoffs with 62 points and riding a six-match unbeaten streak, was keen to secure an advantageous postseason position—and the energy at Chase Stadium reflected that hunger. The venue, now a fortress for Miami, buzzed with 21,500 fans eager for a show.
Messi, who started alongside fellow Argentines Rocco Ríos Novo, Gonzalo Luján, Tomás Avilés, Marcelo Weigandt, Baltasar Rodríguez, and Tadeo Allende, wasted no time making his presence felt. After two early chances were denied by Atlanta’s Canadian goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert, Messi broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. A classic left-footed strike curled into the top corner, marking his 25th goal of the MLS season. The celebration was shared not just on the pitch but in the VIP boxes—Nicolás Otamendi, Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Claudio Tapia, and Miami’s own Rodrigo De Paul cheered on, highlighting the game’s unique crossover between club and country.
The second half saw Inter Miami elevate their dominance. Just minutes after the restart, Messi turned provider, delivering a sublime pass from behind midfield that found Jordi Alba surging behind Atlanta’s defense. Alba finished with composure, notching Miami’s second and adding a special touch to his farewell match at Chase Stadium. The Spanish left back, who recently announced his retirement, was later honored by the club in a heartfelt post-match ceremony. His contributions, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on Miami’s short but storied history.
But the fireworks weren’t over. Luis Suárez, ever the predator, extended the lead with a thumping volley from outside the area. And as if to cap a perfect night, Messi completed his brace near the end of regulation, slotting home his 26th goal of the MLS campaign. With that, Messi cemented his status as the league’s top scorer, pulling ahead of Denis Bouanga of LAFC (24 goals in 30 matches) and Sam Surridge of Nashville (23 in 33). He also matched Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC as the MLS’s leading assist provider with 18, underscoring his all-around brilliance.
“Messi can play at any moment, obviously. The thing is, I can’t speak about something counterfactual because he’s not with us and I haven’t spoken to Leo. We’ll see tonight what happens,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano had said before the match, keeping fans guessing. After Messi’s performance, the only question left was how high this Miami squad can soar.
For Atlanta United, the night was a sobering reflection of a turbulent season. Coach Ronny Deila fielded a lineup featuring several young prospects, including Colombian midfielder Steven Alzate, in an attempt to inject fresh energy into a team that had lost its offensive bite. The result, however, was another setback in a campaign that saw Atlanta finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Beyond the result, the match was a celebration of soccer’s global reach. Fans from across the Americas tuned in via Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, with commentary available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The exclusive broadcast rights meant every moment—from Messi’s artistry to Alba’s farewell—was accessible to a worldwide audience.
Statistically, Messi’s feats continue to amaze. After this match, he’s tallied 26 goals and 18 assists in just 27 MLS appearances, making him both the league’s top scorer and top playmaker. His professional totals now stand at a staggering 886 goals and 396 assists across 1,128 official matches, spanning Barcelona, Argentina, PSG, and Inter Miami. At 38, Messi shows no signs of slowing down, and his impact on American soccer is nothing short of transformative.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami’s regular season finale awaits—a road trip to Nashville on October 18, 2025, at 19:00 Argentina time. The focus then shifts squarely to the playoffs, where Miami will chase its third major trophy, having previously captured the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024. The momentum from this victory, coupled with the emotional lift from Alba’s send-off and Messi’s ongoing heroics, sets the stage for what could be a historic postseason run.
As the final whistle blew at Chase Stadium, fans lingered, savoring both the dominant win and the poignant moments that defined the night. For Inter Miami, the message was clear: with Messi leading the charge and a squad firing on all cylinders, the best may be yet to come.
