Fort Lauderdale, FL – In a dominant display at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami CF routed Atlanta United FC 4-0, marking their final regular-season home game in emphatic fashion. The match was highlighted by Luis Suarez netting his 600th career goal, a milestone achievement for the Uruguayan striker. Lionel Messi also contributed with a brace and an assist, while Jordi Alba added a goal and an assist to the scoreline.
Inter Miami's victory was comprehensive, showcasing their attacking prowess and securing them home-field advantage in the first round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The team's dominant performance saw Messi make MLS history, becoming the first player to record nine multi-goal games in a single regular season.
The scoring began in the 39th minute when Baltasar Rodriguez dispossessed an Atlanta defender and set up Messi, who curled a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net. The Argentine maestro's strike put Inter Miami ahead, and they never looked back.
Jordi Alba extended Miami's lead in the 52nd minute, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper after receiving a precise long pass from Messi. Alba, who is retiring at the end of the season, was honored by the club after the match. His goal marked his sixth of the season and Messi's 18th assist, tying him for the league lead.
Luis Suarez then etched his name into the history books in the 61st minute, scoring his 600th career goal with a right-footed shot from just outside the box. The unassisted goal sailed into the top right corner, further cementing Inter Miami's lead.
Messi completed the scoring in the 87th minute, converting from the center of the box after another assist from Alba. The goal was Messi's league-leading 26th of the season, solidifying his place at the top of the Golden Boot race.
Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo delivered a solid performance, recording three saves and a clean sheet. The defense, consisting of Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, Gonzalo Luján, and Alba, effectively contained Atlanta's attack.
Atlanta United struggled to create meaningful chances, with goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert making six saves. However, the team could not match Inter Miami's firepower. Atlanta United remains in 14th position in the Eastern Conference.
With this win, Inter Miami ties Cincinnati with 62 points in the Eastern Conference, positioning themselves for a strong playoff run. Messi's 44 goal contributions are the second-most in a single season in league history, trailing only Carlos Vela's 49 in 2019. Inter Miami will close out the regular season against Nashville SC.
