During an MLS matchup between Inter Miami and Atlanta United, Lionel Messi reached 936 career goals courtesy of a brilliant brace. The first goal arrived in the 56th minute to make it 2-0, coming off an astonishing individual play where Messi dodged defenders before unleashing a solid finish from the center of the box, assisted by German Berterame.
The second came almost immediately after, in the 60th minute, on a great counterattack engineered by Luis Suarez. Suarez crossed the ball to his longtime teammate, and Messi finished with his left foot inside the goalkeeper’s right post to extend the lead.
Lionel Messi delivered another performance for the history books. With his brace, the Argentine captain led Inter Miami to a 3-0 victory, scoring the final two goals of the match in quick succession.
Records achieved vs Atlanta United
Messi tied Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min for the league lead with his 15th assist, becoming the first player in league history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. He provided the assist to German Berterame on the opening goal.
Messi then added his league-leading 24th and 25th goals of the MLS season. Berterame assisted on both scores, and Luis Suarez snagged an assist on Messi’s second goal. The performance keeps Messi firmly at the top of the league’s goal-scoring leaderboard.
Messi won the Golden Boot Award last season with 29 goals. He and Josef Martinez are the only players in league history to score at least 25 goals in a regular season twice. Messi’s 40 goal contributions are nine shy of Carlos Vela’s record set in 2019 with Los Angeles FC, and the Miami legend has four matches remaining to break it.
The road to 936 Goals
The numerical impact of Messi’s career is split between the national team and the clubs where he has left his mark. Reaching the 936-goal milestone following the clash against Atlanta United reflects an unprecedented level of consistency within the sport’s elite.
- Club goals: Barcelona (672), Paris Saint-Germain (32), and Inter Miami (106).
- Argentina National Team goals: 126 official goals.
- Total assists: 427 distributed across a 22-year career.
- Total contributions: 1,363 direct goal involvements in just over 1,180 matches
Key takeaways
- Lionel Messi’s brace led Inter Miami to a 3-0 victory over Atlanta United.
- A 15th assist tied Lionel Messi with Son Heung-min for the MLS lead.
- 936 career goals were reached by Lionel Messi following the clash against Atlanta United.
