Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Braden Chalker

Lionel Messi Could Accomplish MLS Achievement in Game Three vs. Atlanta United

Lionel Messi looks to lead Miami to victory over Atlanta | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Lionel Messi's time at Inter Miami has been nothing short of spectacular ever since his debut against Cruz Azul that he marked with a picture-perfect free kick.

Fast forward to November 2024 from July 2023 and Messi guided Miami to the best regular season in MLS history with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 appearances. In total, Messi has managed 33 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for the south Florida club.

Sign-up to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV using this link here

Messi's fantastic regular season also propelled Miami to Supporters' Shield glory, the club's second trophy, en route to becoming the team's all-time leading goalscorer. Earlier on in the season against New York Red Bulls, Messi's six goal contributions were a new MLS record as Miami thrashed RBNY 6–2. Messi's five assists in the match also set a new MLS record.

However, there's one milestone that Messi has yet to reach during his time with the Herons: His first MLS Cup Playoffs goal.


JOIN SI SOCCER'S INTER MIAMI WHATSAPP COMMUNITY - GET ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND ANALYSIS STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE


In two postseason appearances against Atlanta United, Messi came close on several occasions but impressive showings from Brad Guzan kept the 37-year-old off the scoresheet. The Argentine did grab an assist in the Miami's 2–1 win in Game One at Chase Stadium though.

Messi will look to score his first MLS postseason goal in Game Three of the Round One Best-of-Three series where Miami must win to advance in the playoffs. Game Three is slated for Saturday night at Chase Stadium, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference semi finals.


READ THE LATEST INTER MIAMI NEWS, PREVIEWS, PREDICTIONS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE


This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Could Accomplish MLS Achievement in Game Three vs. Atlanta United.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.