FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Luis Suárez etched his name further into the annals of football history, reaching the coveted 600-goal landmark with a stunning strike against Atlanta United. The Uruguayan's wonder goal was a highlight in Inter Miami's dominant 4-0 victory on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.
The match saw Lionel Messi also shine, scoring twice and providing an assist, solidifying Inter Miami's chances of finishing second in the MLS Eastern Conference. Jordi Alba, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the season, also found the net, adding to the Barcelona reunion feel of the score sheet.
Suárez's landmark goal came in the 61st minute. After a cross from the left, Suárez unleashed an unstoppable volley from outside the box, leaving the Atlanta goalkeeper with no chance. The goal, his 42nd for Inter Miami, triggered celebrations as he joined an elite group of players to have reached 600 career goals.
"El Pistolero," as Suárez is known, has distributed his goals across several clubs: Nacional (20), Groningen (15), Ajax (111), Liverpool (82), Barcelona (198), Atlético Madrid (34), Grêmio (29) and Uruguay's national team (69).
The match began with both sides displaying attacking intent. Suárez had an early shot blocked in the 2nd minute, while Atlanta's Dominik Chong Qui forced a save in the 8th minute. Inter Miami responded with multiple attempts, including saved shots from Tadeo Allende and Messi. Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute, assisted by Baltasar Rodríguez. Suárez almost doubled the lead just before halftime, hitting the crossbar. Alba extended Miami's lead in the 52nd minute, assisted by Messi, before Suárez's wonder strike made it 3-0. Messi then completed the scoring in the 87th minute, assisted by Alba.
Inter Miami's goalkeeper, Rocco Ríos Novo, recorded three saves and a clean sheet in his sixth start of the season. Atlanta United's Jayden Hibbert saved six shots.
With this win, Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati are level on 62 points in the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami will conclude the regular season against Nashville SC, while Atlanta United will play against D.C. United.
