Inter Miami CF concluded their 2025 regular season home schedule with a resounding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United FC at Chase Stadium on Saturday, October 11. The commanding performance, highlighted by a brace from Lionel Messi and goals from Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez, not only secured three crucial points but also guaranteed Inter Miami home-field advantage for the first round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. This significant win marks a strong finish to their tenure at Chase Stadium, as the club prepares to relocate to Miami Freedom Park in 2026.
A Fitting Farewell to Chase Stadium
The final regular season match at Chase Stadium was more than just a game; it was a celebration of Inter Miami’s journey and a testament to their growth. Entering the match, Inter Miami occupied third place in the Eastern Conference with 62 points, vying for the second seed against FC Cincinnati. Securing a victory was paramount to not only solidify their playoff position but also to potentially improve their seeding, thereby guaranteeing at least the No. 3 seed and home-field advantage in the opening playoff round. For Atlanta United, the match represented the end of a challenging season, marked by injuries and a string of losses, as they were already eliminated from playoff contention. Both teams were notably affected by the FIFA international window, with several players away on national duty. However, Inter Miami’s core stars, including Messi, Alba, and Suárez, were available and ready to compete.
Messi’s Masterclass Leads the Onslaught
Lionel Messi once again proved to be the catalyst for Inter Miami’s success, delivering a performance that etched his name further into MLS history. The Argentine maestro opened the scoring in the 39th minute, breaking a scoreless deadlock with a brilliant curling shot into the top corner after Baltasar Rodríguez recovered possession in Atlanta’s half. This goal, his 25th of the regular season, put him in sole control of the Audi Golden Boot race. Messi’s impact wasn’t limited to scoring; he also played a crucial role in setting up other goals. In the 52nd minute, he delivered a precise, long-range pass to Jordi Alba, who skillfully lobbed the goalkeeper to double Miami’s lead. This assist marked Messi’s 18th of the season, tying him for the league lead.
Beyond his direct contributions to goals, Messi’s performance was monumental for setting new MLS records. With his brace against Atlanta, he became the first player in MLS history to achieve nine multi-goal games in a single regular season. This achievement underscores his consistent offensive threat throughout the campaign. The 38-year-old superstar also extended his lead in the Golden Boot standings with his 26th goal of the season, which came in the 87th minute, sealing the 4-0 victory. His influence was so profound that his Argentina teammates, including Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Nicolás Otamendi, watched from the stands, celebrating his brilliance.
Alba and Suárez Add Polish to the Victory
The attacking prowess of Inter Miami was further showcased by goals from veteran stalwarts Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez, completing the comprehensive win. Alba’s goal in the 52nd minute, assisted by Messi, was a moment of particular significance. It marked his sixth goal of the season and added another layer to the chemistry between the former Barcelona teammates. For Alba, this was more than just a goal; it was a poignant moment in his final home regular-season appearance for Inter Miami, as he is set to retire at the end of the season. The crowd paid tribute to the departing left-back, celebrating his contributions.
Luis Suárez also found the back of the net in the 61st minute, scoring his 10th goal of the regular season with a superb volley from just outside the box. This strike was not only a personal milestone, reaching 600 career goals in all competitions, but also a demonstration of his continued impact on the field. The Uruguayan striker had earlier come close to scoring in first-half stoppage time when his volley struck the crossbar from a precise pass by Messi.
Defensive Resilience and Playoff Implications
While the offense garnered much of the attention, Inter Miami’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, was equally crucial in securing the clean sheet. Ríos Novo made three key saves throughout the match, including a notable stop in the fourth minute of added time to preserve the lead before halftime. His solid performance ensured Atlanta United could not find a way back into the game.
The 4-0 victory not only provided a morale boost but also had significant implications for Inter Miami’s playoff aspirations. The win guaranteed them home-field advantage in Round One of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, a crucial advantage as they aim for a deep run. With this result, Miami moved to 62 points, tied with FC Cincinnati for second place in the Eastern Conference, setting up a tense Decision Day for the No. 2 seed. The team’s final regular season match is scheduled for October 18 against Nashville SC. The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are set to commence on October 22, with Inter Miami now well-positioned to compete for the championship. The news that Inter Miami secured this dominant win is trending among soccer enthusiasts as the playoff picture sharpens.
Conclusion
Inter Miami CF’s 4-0 triumph over Atlanta United was a fitting send-off from Chase Stadium, encapsulating their season’s strengths: offensive firepower, star-studded performances, and crucial playoff positioning. Led by the historic exploits of Lionel Messi and supported by key contributions from Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez, the Herons demonstrated their championship aspirations. As they head into the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, the team’s performance against Atlanta United serves as a powerful statement of intent, highlighting their readiness to contend for the MLS Cup title. This news is a significant headline for Miami sports fans, signaling a promising postseason ahead.
