After recovering from a muscle strain, Lionel Messi has returned to the pitch in top form. The Inter Miami star found the net for the first time in the 2025 MLS season against Atlanta United, leveling the match at 1-1 after Emmanuel Latte Lath opened the scoring for the hosts.
Messi scored with a chip after stealing the ball from Bartosz Slisz at the edge of the box, leaving him one-on-one with Brad Guzan. With this goal, he has now reached 854 career goals and 38 for Inter Miami, where he is the club’s all-time top scorer.
Although this was his first MLS goal of the season, Messi had already provided two assists. The Argentine star also recently scored in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Cavalier, netting the second goal in their Round of 16 victory.
He had previously missed three matches, including games against Houston Dynamo and Charlotte. Heading into the Atlanta match, Miami sat in second place in the Eastern Conference with seven points from two wins and one draw.
The game against Atlanta drew significant attention, as United eliminated Miami in the first round of the playoffs last season. However, Atlanta currently sits 11th in the table with four points.
see also
Manchester United legend places Lamine Yamal above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Miami eyes Concacaf Champions Cup progress
Messi’s return (and his good performances) is a boost for the team, though the captain will soon travel to join Argentina for World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay this week. La Albiceleste are aiming to secure their ticket for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami has a busy schedule ahead, with a Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal clash against Los Angeles FC up next. In total, Messi has scored four goals in the 2025 MLS season.
