Messi scores twice in Inter Miami's 3-1 win at Atlanta and becomes first MLS player to reach 15 assists in three straight seasons

Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday 17 October (US time), according to Major League Soccer and ESPN.

Germán Berterame put Miami ahead in the 45th minute, and MLS credited Messi with an assist on the goal. Messi scored in the 56th minute after getting past several defenders in the box. He scored again four minutes later at the end of a counter-attack. Atlanta substitute Fafà Picault scored a penalty in the 89th minute.

MLS said Messi now has 23 goals and 15 assists this season. That makes him the first player in league history with at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. He also leads the league’s Golden Boot race, MLS said.

“I can’t believe this guy does what he does at 39 years of age,” Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González said after the game, according to MLS.

The reigning MLS champions secured a playoff place earlier in the week. MLS said Miami have won their last three games by a combined 9-1. ESPN’s standings show them second in the Eastern Conference with 55 points from 30 games, behind Nashville SC.