Lionel Messi scores twice, Inter Miami beat Atlanta for third straight win

Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over host Atlanta United on Saturday, October 18, 2026, securing their third consecutive win following earlier victories over D.C. United and New York City FC. Inter Miami, already MLS Cup playoff-qualified, improved to 15-5-10 with 55 points, strengthening their top-two position in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta United fell to 8-16-6 with 30 points, remaining in 14th place and six points behind the final postseason spot in the East.