MLS Recap: Messi's Double Helps Miami, Muller Wins it for Vancouver

Lionel Messi sparks Inter Miami to 4-0 win

MLS roundup: Lionel Messi scores twice as Inter Miami thrash Atlanta 4-0, while Thomas Muller secures late win for Vancouver Whitecaps over Orlando City.

The match's opening goal, scored by Lionel Messi in the 39th minute, showcased the Argentine's brilliance...

Lionel Messi's exceptional performance led Inter Miami to a 4-0 win over Atlanta United, solidifying his lead in the MLS scoring table. With two goals, Messi now has 26 for the season, surpassing Denis Bouanga's 24 goals.

Messi's impressive display included a beautiful strike in the 39th minute and another goal in the 87th minute, capping off an outstanding team performance. Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez also contributed to the victory, with Alba scoring and Suarez netting a well-taken goal.

The win secures Inter Miami's position in the playoffs and keeps them in contention for second place in the Eastern Conference, tied with FC Cincinnati on 62 points. Meanwhile, Atlanta United's struggles continue, with the team losing three consecutive matches.

Inter Miami CF continued their charge for a better playoff position, drawing level with Cincinnati at 62 points in the Eastern Conference standings. With four points behind leaders Philadelphia, who have secured the Supporters Shield, Miami's push for the top spot continues.

The match's opening goal, scored by Lionel Messi in the 39th minute, showcased the Argentine's brilliance. Baltasar Rodriguez's clever interception allowed Messi to stride forward and unleash a stunning left-footed curl around Pedro Amador and into the top left corner, leaving Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert with no chance.

Lionel Messi had a few early chances, but Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert made a crucial save in the 13th minute to deny the superstar. However, Messi made up for it with a beautiful goal in the 39th minute and later set up Jordi Alba's stunning chip in the 52nd minute, doubling Miami's lead.

Jordi Alba's goal, his sixth of the season, was a fitting tribute to the Spanish legend, who announced his retirement from football at the end of the MLS season. The crowd honored Alba with a heartfelt tribute, and he repaid them with a remarkable goal, lofting the ball over Hibbert into the net.

Luis Suarez sealed the win for Inter Miami with a stunning right-footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner in the 61st minute. Lionel Messi then added his second goal of the match in the 87th minute, expertly converting a through ball from Jordi Alba with a left-footed shot from the center of the box.

The Argentine superstar's availability for the match was uncertain until Inter Miami's manager, Javier Mascherano, revealed the lineup shortly before kickoff, amid the ongoing FIFA international window.

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul trained with Argentina in Florida earlier this week, but Messi didn't play in the friendly match against Venezuela on Friday, which Argentina won 1-0. De Paul, however, made a late appearance as a substitute in the match. Inter Miami had six players representing their countries during this international break.

One of the upcoming matches is Argentina's friendly against Puerto Rico, scheduled to take place at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Monday. De Paul won't be available for Inter Miami's next match against Nashville SC on October 18, but Messi is expected to feature.

A VICTORY AT HOME 🤩 pic.twitter.com/fCgOn84ARV

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 12, 2025

MLS Matchday Highlights

The Vancouver Whitecaps secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Orlando City SC, thanks to Thomas Müller's decisive goal in stoppage time. This victory not only showcased Müller's exceptional skill but also propelled the Whitecaps to the top of the Western Conference standings.

With this win, Vancouver now leads the Western Conference with 63 points, three points ahead of second-place San Diego. Müller's impressive form has been a key factor in the team's success, and his ability to score crucial goals has earned him a reputation as a clutch player in the MLS.

Thomas Müller scored a thrilling winner in stoppage time, netting a long-range shot that slipped past Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to secure a 2-1 victory for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Nelson Pierre had equalized for Vancouver in the 81st minute, scoring after Dagur Thorhallsson's earlier strike had given Orlando the lead in the 24th minute.

Iconic, as always. Tonight’s #IconOfTheMatch goes to Leo Messi🏆💫 @RoyalCaribbean pic.twitter.com/63Qidg3cDr

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 12, 2025

Müller has now scored seven goals in eight appearances for the Whitecaps across all competitions, showcasing his impressive form since joining the team. His decisive goal in stoppage time highlights his ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial results for his team.