Up until now, Leo Messi hadn’t managed to score this season in MLS. He had only participated in the first match against New York City. However, after missing the match against Houston Dynamo and watching the game against Charlotte from the bench, he returned to the starting lineup to initiate the comeback against Atlanta United.

Messi's first goal in MLS 2025

Mascherano had already given him the chance to return in the second half of the away game in the round of 16 of the Concachampions against Cavalier... and Messi showed he was fully recovered by scoring the second goal of the match. “It was good because he felt great, scored, the people in Jamaica could see it, and it was a good night for everyone,” said Mascherano after that game.

On this occasion, he placed him back in the starting lineup, and Leo Messi responded 20 minutes into the game by scoring the equalizer against Atlanta United after the initial goal from forward Emmanuel Latte Lath, the most expensive signing in MLS history (22 million dollars). Later, Picault came off the bench to score the 1-2 before injury time, putting Inter Miami in second place in MLS, just two points behind Vancouver.

Mascherano praised Messi

Messi, moreover, showed he was especially motivated… and many compared his goal against Atlanta United to the one he scored against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League semifinals with Barcelona. He stole the ball from Bartosz Slisz, dribbled past Derrick Williams, and finished with finesse from inside the box over the head of legendary goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

A spectacular goal that made Mascherano praise Messi after the match: “It’s a goal only the best player in history can score. He’s a player who has the ability to score the most beautiful goals you can see.” He also highlighted Inter Miami's good form after a shaky start… despite remaining unbeaten: “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”