The Herons claimed a form of revenge over their domestic rivals for the shock MLS Cup play-off defeat that they suffered in 2024. That setback dashed silverware dreams for Messi and Co, but they are back in the hunt for more major honours this term.

An unbeaten start to the 2025 campaign has been enjoyed, across MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup competition, with Messi’s workload being carefully managed. He was returned to Javier Mascherano’s starting XI against Atlanta after seeing plenty of rest and bench duty.

It took just 20 minutes for Messi to make a decisive contribution as he pounced on a heavy touch, burst into the box, left one Atlanta defender on the deck and calmly clipped the ball over the onrushing Guzan. Inter Miami would go on to win the game 2-1 courtesy of a dramatic 89th-minute header from Fafa Picault.

Messi now has his first MLS goal of the season, having secured MVP honours in 2024, and will be turning his attention to 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with Argentina as Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami are not due to be back in action until playing host to the Philadelphia Union on March 29.