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place
- Atlanta Stadium
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referee
- Allen Chapman
Fafà Picault 89′ (Pen)
Germán Berterame 45′
Lionel Messi 56′
Lionel Messi 60′
Inter Miami Head coach Kily Gonzalez was supportive Lionel Messi to reach 1,000 career goals after another game-winning masterclass in the win in Atlanta.
Messi took center stage at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, producing a devastating four-minute second-half blitz to score twice after registering an assist earlier. The result consolidates Miami’s grip second place in the Eastern Conferencewhile leaving the hosts languishing in 14th place.
Former Argentine winger González admitted that he still finds it difficult to process what the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to produce into his thirties.
“It never ceases to amaze the world,” Gonzalez said. “I mean, I honestly can’t believe that a guy like him, at 39, is doing what he’s doing.
“And what makes me the happiest is to see that he is really happy. Because he is happy, he gives everything he has. He enjoys himself and feels at home.”
The Miami coach also wanted to highlight how the relentless hunger of the former Argentine captain continues to lift everyone around him.
“Like I always say, we push ourselves to be better every day,” Gonzalez said.
“It’s such a joy to have him here. Every time I see him, he puts a smile on my face. I’m still constantly amazed by him.”
After a tricky opening period, Miami broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half-time through German Berterame, who finished perfectly after a tricky build-up game involving both Messi and Luis Suarez.
Atlanta United FC
Inter Miami
Messi then took full control of the game early in the second half. On 56 minutes, he swapped a one-two with Berterame before dancing past his marker to fire a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Just four minutes later, Suarez turned provider with a deep pass on the counter, which allowed Messi to rise and place a powerful shot past Lucas Hoyos.
Atlanta grabbed a late consolation when Fafa Picault converted from the penalty spot.
The brace took Messi’s extraordinary career tally to 936 goals, taking him within sight of a historic four-figure tally. When asked if the striker can realistically break the 1,000-goal barrier before hanging up his boots, Gonzalez expressed full faith in his talisman.
“Yes, I think he will reach 1,000 goals,” he said.
“I have faith in that. I know he’s going to do it, because he loves challenges, he sets challenges for himself and since he’s already accomplished everything else, this won’t be an exception.”
Messi now has 25 goals in La Liga for the campaign.
The Major League Soccer Table
Conference of the East
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position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7: Promotion – MLS (Play Off: Round of 16)
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position 8, 9: Promotion – MLS (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Upcoming matches between Atlanta United FC and Inter Miami
