1-3: A galactic Messi scores two ‘Maradonian’ goals
On his return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where this summer he provided a key assist in Argentina’s victory against England in the World Cup semi-finals, Leo Messi gave a new recital and endorsed the victory of Inter Miami by 1-3 against him Atlanta United with a spectacular double.
Messi reached 25 goals in the MLS to reinforce his status as the top scorer in the American league this season and gave the Kily González Herons their third consecutive victory, this time in a duel of Argentine coaches with Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
It was Germán Berterame who opened the scoring with a header on the brink of half-time after a cross from Uruguayan Luis Suárez. There was time in the 51st minute for a miracle by Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair against Paraguayan Miguel Almirón, before Messi began his scoring festival.
The Argentine scored 2-0 in a spectacular personal move in which he started from the midfield line, combined with Berterame and even dribbled past his own teammate before finishing with his left foot. It was the 56th and four minutes later he completed his personal double with a similar play, with a ‘slalom’ between rivals in the penalty area before striking down the goalkeeper.
In the 89th minute, former Inter Miami player Fafa Picault scored the winning goal for Atlanta from the penalty spot. Inter Miami is second in the East, with 55 points, eleven behind Nashville, which dominates the table.
