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**Summary:**

Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance, scoring two goals and assisting on another, leading Inter Miami to a dominant 4-0 victory over Atlanta United. This win, which came after Messi opted to play for his club rather than participate in an international friendly for Argentina, secures Inter Miami’s spot as at least the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. The win was soured with a potential hamstring injury for Atlanta’s Stian Gregersen. Furthermore, this was Inter Miami’s final regular-season match at Chase Stadium.

**News Article:**

**Messi Magic Leads Inter Miami to Crushing Victory over Atlanta, Clinches Playoff Seed**

*FORT LAUDERDALE, FL* – Lionel Messi proved his commitment to Inter Miami on Saturday night, leading his team to a resounding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United at Chase Stadium. The Argentinian superstar, fresh off a decision to forgo an international friendly with his home country, scored two goals and provided a brilliant assist, solidifying Inter Miami’s position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference and securing at least the No. 3 seed in the playoffs.

Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a stunning, curling shot. He then masterfully set up Jordi Alba for Inter Miami’s second goal in the 52nd minute, delivering a perfectly placed long ball. Messi put the game out of reach when he grabbed his second goal in the 87th minute off an assist from Alba. Luis Suarez also added a goal in the 61st minute, and keeper Rocco Rios Novo secured a clean sheet.

The victory comes after Messi sat out Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela, a match held just one night earlier in Miami. His decision to prioritize club commitments paid dividends for Inter Miami, propelling them to 62 points, level with FC Cincinnati. Inter Miami still have a chance to secure the No. 2 seed if they can finish with more points than FC Cincinnati.

For Atlanta United, the loss marks their third consecutive defeat and extends their winless streak to five games. To add insult to injury, defender Stian Gregersen was forced to leave the game early with a suspected hamstring injury. With the loss, Atlanta’s playoff aspirations are seriously threatened.

Saturday’s match marked the final MLS regular-season game at Chase Stadium for Inter Miami, with the team set to relocate to Miami Freedom Park in 2026. With the win, Messi now leads the MLS in goals, with 26, and his 18th assist tied San Diego’s Anders Dreyer for the league lead.

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