Lionel Messi could find MLS success in the third match against Atlanta United

Lionel Messi’s time at Inter Miami has been nothing short of impressive since his debut against Cruz Azul, which he capped off with a perfect free-kick.

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

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

However, there is one milestone Messi has yet to reach during his time with the Gerons: his first goal in the MLS Cup playoffs.

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In two postseason games against Atlanta United, Messi Came close on several occasions, but impressive displays from Brad Guzan prevented the 37-year-old from scoring. Although the Argentine did provide an assist in Miami’s 2-1 win in the first game at Chase Stadium.

Messi will look to score his first goal of the MLS postseason in Game 3 of the first-round best-of-three series, where Miami must win to qualify for the playoffs. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday night at Chase Stadium, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

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