MIAMI, FL – In a dominant display that showcased their championship aspirations, Inter Miami CF delivered a resounding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United at Chase Stadium on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The match was a masterclass from Lionel Messi, who netted a brace and provided an assist, while fellow Barcelona legend Jordi Alba also found the back of the net, contributing significantly to a win that guarantees Inter Miami at least the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and crucial home-field advantage in the opening round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The victory also saw Luis Suárez reach a significant career milestone, scoring his 600th professional goal.
Messi’s Historic Performance Seals Golden Boot Lead
Lionel Messi delivered a performance that will be etched in MLS history. The Argentine maestro opened the scoring in the 39th minute, curling a precise shot into the top corner after receiving a pass from Baltasar Rodríguez. This goal marked his 25th of the regular season, propelling him into the sole lead for the MLS Golden Boot, two goals ahead of Denis Bouanga. Messi’s dominance continued in the second half when he provided a perfectly weighted long ball to Jordi Alba, who expertly chipped the ball over the Atlanta goalkeeper for Miami’s second goal. In a fitting display of their legendary on-field chemistry, Alba returned the favor in the 87th minute, assisting Messi for his second goal of the night. Messi’s second strike, his 26th of the season, was a testament to his enduring brilliance and extended his lead in the Golden Boot race.
Beyond the goals, Messi’s performance etched his name further into the MLS record books. With his brace against Atlanta, he became the first player in league history to achieve nine multi-goal games in a single regular season, surpassing previous records held by Zlatan Ibrahimović, Stern John, and Mamadou Diallo. His 44 goal contributions for the season also place him second all-time for a single MLS campaign, trailing only Carlos Vela’s 49 from 2019. Messi’s decision to play for Inter Miami despite being available for Argentina’s international friendly further highlighted his commitment to the club, especially considering the crucial playoff implications of the match.
Alba’s Farewell Highlight and Milestone in a Dominant Display
The victory was particularly poignant for Jordi Alba, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the season. Alba was honored in a special ceremony following the match, marking his final regular-season home game at Chase Stadium. His goal in the 52nd minute, set up by Messi, was a moment of pure brilliance, a delicate chip that showcased the telepathic connection he shares with his longtime teammate. This goal was his sixth of the season and his 18th assist of the year, tying him for the league lead. The emotional celebration saw Alba embrace his family and teammates, a fitting highlight on a night dedicated to his illustrious career. Alba’s retirement, alongside that of Sergio Busquets, marks the end of an era for the club, but his performance in this crucial match underscored his continued importance.
Suárez Joins Elite Goalscoring Company
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Luis Suárez netted his 42nd goal for Inter Miami in the 61st minute, marking a significant career milestone – his 600th professional goal. The Uruguayan’s powerful strike from outside the box not only extended Miami’s lead but also placed him among an elite group of footballers to reach this remarkable scoring feat. His consistent goal-scoring form, with four goals in his last five appearances, has been vital for the team as they head into the postseason.
Playoff Implications and Eastern Conference Race
The 4-0 victory was crucial for Inter Miami’s playoff positioning. By securing all three points, they guaranteed themselves home-field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 series of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The win also keeps them level on points with FC Cincinnati at 62 points, setting up a thrilling Decision Day clash against Nashville SC for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. This final regular-season match will be pivotal in determining their playoff path.
Atlanta United’s Struggles Continue
For Atlanta United, the match represented another difficult outing. Despite showing moments of defensive resilience and an impressive performance from young goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert, who made several key saves in the first half, they were ultimately outmatched by Inter Miami’s clinical finishing. The team, which has faced numerous challenges due to injuries and international call-ups throughout the season, remains in a challenging position in the Eastern Conference standings. Their struggles highlight the gap between them and the league’s top contenders.
The comprehensive victory for Inter Miami not only solidifies their position heading into the MLS Cup Playoffs but also serves as a powerful statement of intent. With Messi, Alba, and Suárez firing on all cylinders, the Herons are poised to make a deep run in the postseason, aiming to send off their retiring legends with silverware. The team’s ability to perform at such a high level, even amidst the complexities of the international break, speaks volumes about their depth and the transformative impact of their star players, making Inter Miami a compelling storyline in the current MLS trending news.
