FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (BN24) — Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba delivered a dazzling performance Saturday night as Inter Miami CF cruised to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United FC in their final regular-season match at Chase Stadium, sealing a crucial three points ahead of the MLS playoffs.
Messi, temporarily released from international duty with Argentina, led the Herons as captain and scored twice while setting up a goal for Alba in an emotional farewell match at the Fort Lauderdale venue. Inter Miami is set to move into its new home, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.
The 37-year-old World Cup champion had been called up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for October friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. However, Scaloni cleared him to play for Miami after deciding not to use him in Friday’s match.
“It was pretty straightforward yesterday before the game,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “I spoke with Scaloni, and he told me he was going to release him. Leo was willing to play, and we saw what he did today — he helped us win. He scored, which was also important for him.”
Messi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a trademark curling strike into the top-left corner for his 25th goal of the season. Minutes later, he turned provider, lofting a perfectly weighted ball to Alba, who chipped Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert to make it 2-0.
Alba, 36, who will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, received a special tribute from Inter Miami after the final whistle. A video montage celebrated his career with messages from former coaches and teammates.
“I think I’ve had a very good career,” Alba said. “It’s been special, and I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved. Now we have the last game against Nashville, then the playoffs. Hopefully I can win them and then rest.”
Luis Suárez added Miami’s third with a clinical volley from the edge of the penalty area in the 61st minute, and Messi struck again late in the match to seal the 4-0 scoreline. His brace brought his season tally to 26 goals, moving him two ahead of LAFC striker Denis Bouanga in the MLS Golden Boot race.
“At this point in his life, winning the Golden Boot isn’t going to change him too much,” Mascherano said. “But if it’s there, he’ll go for it. It was a great night for the team, for him, for everyone.”
Several Argentina teammates, including Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso, watched from the sidelines and celebrated each goal. Messi may return to national team duty for Argentina’s upcoming friendly against Puerto Rico on Tuesday at Chase Stadium, depending on how the coming days unfold.
Miami is now tied on points with FC Cincinnati in second place heading into the final round of the regular season. The Herons will travel to face Nashville, while Cincinnati hosts Montreal. The Philadelphia Union have already secured first place in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield for the best overall regular-season record.
