Messi scores twice as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1

Lionel Messi scored two second-half goals four minutes apart as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1 on Saturday night, with Germán Berterame's first-half strike and a late Fafà Picault penalty completing the scoring.

The win lifts Inter Miami to 55 points from 30 matches, while Atlanta United remain on 30 from the same number of games.

Berterame opens the scoring

The only goal of the first half came in the 45th minute, when Germán Berterame found the net for Inter Miami. Messi, who had already registered a first-half assist, was the supplier for Miami's attacking threat throughout the opening period.

Atlanta had chances of their own before the break, with Breel Embolo and Miguel Almirón both testing the Miami defence and Tristan Muyumba forcing a save inside the opening half-hour.

Messi's four-minute double

The Argentina forward struck in the 56th minute and again four minutes later, a burst that effectively settled the contest. ESPN's video highlights of the match describe the pair as coming in a four-minute span.

Messi had also gone close earlier in the second half with a free kick from 40 yards, which drifted off target.

Picault's late reply

Atlanta reduced the deficit in the 89th minute when Fafà Picault converted from the penalty spot, giving the home side a consolation in a match they had threatened to make far more uncomfortable.

The substitute Matt Edwards had earlier struck the woodwork against Miami, one of several late efforts from the hosts as they chased a way back into the game.

What the numbers say

Atlanta had the better of the underlying numbers. They finished with 2.27 expected goals to Inter Miami's 1.80 and edged possession 45 per cent to 55 per cent.

The hosts were far less clinical in front of goal, however. Atlanta managed three shots on target at a conversion rate of 15 per cent, while Inter Miami recorded five at 71 per cent. Atlanta created one big chance to Miami's two and won five corners to two.

Atlanta completed 383 passes at 88 per cent accuracy, with Inter Miami on 504 at 89 per cent. Atlanta also won more duels, 31 to 25, and committed eight fouls to Miami's 11. Both goalkeepers made two saves.

What the result means

Inter Miami's victory keeps them firmly among the leading sides in the Eastern Conference race, with 55 points from 30 games. Atlanta United, on 30 points, remain mid-table in the East.

SportsLigue