When Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami CF delivered a brace and an assist on Saturday night, Inter Miami CF turned a routine MLS fixture into a farewell‑fest for veteran full‑back Jordi Alba. The 4‑0 rout of Atlanta United FC at Chase Stadium on 11 October 2025 was billed as fan‑appreciation night, but it quickly became a showcase of the club’s biggest stars.
Why this match mattered
Inter Miami entered the evening perched near the top of the Eastern Conference, needing a statement win to keep pace with playoff rivals like New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC. Meanwhile, Atlanta United, still seeking its first winning streak of the season, hoped a solid defensive performance would at least salvage a point. The clash was also the logical culmination of a summer that saw Messi, Luis Suárez and Alba form a three‑way attacking triangle that has delighted Fort Lauderdale fans since the trio arrived in 2023.
Match‑by‑match breakdown
During Inter Miami vs Atlanta UnitedChase Stadium, the home side dictated tempo from the first whistle. In the 12th minute, Messi collected a short corner from Sergio Busquets, slipped it to the edge of the box and fired a low‑driven shot that dipped under goalkeeper Hirsch, opening the scoring.
- 12' – Messi’s first goal, a left‑footed strike from just outside the six‑yard box.
- 34' – Luis Suárez’s ‘golazo’: a thunderous finish after a swift one‑two with forward Yannik Bright, the Argentine‑born forward rolled the ball into the top corner.
- 58' – Messi’s second goal: a curling free‑kick that grazed the post before squeezing past the keeper.
- 73' – Jordi Alba’s farewell goal: Messi delivered a pinpoint, low cross from the right; Alba timed his run perfectly and headed the ball home as the crowd rose to their feet.
The final whistle sparked a chorus of “¡Leo! ¡Leo!” from the Spanish‑language commentators, a fitting tribute to the Argentine’s enduring magic.
Farewell celebrations and individual performances
Alba’s goal was more than a tally; it marked the end of a six‑month stint that saw the former Barcelona left‑back add experience and leadership to a fledgling squad. In a post‑match interview, Alba said, “Leaving Miami is bittersweet. I’ve loved every minute, but I’m proud of what we’ve built together.” The club honored him with a lap of the pitch, a video montage of his career highlights and a graphic that read “FAREWELL JORDI ALBA”.
Messi, now 38, appears to be savoring every minute at his home stadium. After the game, he joked with reporters that the crowd’s chants reminded him of his early Barcelona days, and hinted that his contract—set to expire at the end of 2026—could be extended if the team wins the MLS Cup.
Suárez, still hungry for silverware, described his goal as “a reminder that I still have a lot to give”. His physical presence, combined with Messi’s creativity, makes the duo one of the most feared attacking pairs in MLS history.
Impact on the standings and the league
With the 4‑0 win, Inter Miami leapt to third place in the Eastern Conference, just three points ahead of the second‑placed New England Revolution. The victory also boosted their goal‑difference to +15, a critical tiebreaker as the regular season winds down.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, fell to ninth, three points below the playoff cutoff. Their coach, Oste Rasul, admitted the defeat highlighted defensive frailties that need addressing before the final stretch.
MLS officials praised the match as “a showcase of the league’s growing quality”, noting that the combined 300‑plus million global viewership for the weekend’s games sets a new benchmark.
What’s next for Inter Miami and its stars?
Inter Miami’s next fixture is a crucial road trip to Boston on 15 October, where a win would cement a top‑two finish. If Messi and Suárez keep delivering at this level, the club’s odds of clinching its first MLS Cup surge dramatically.
Alba’s departure opens a roster spot that GM Sebastián Vázquez says will be filled by a “young, pace‑yanked” left‑back from South America. Rumors point to a 22‑year‑old Colombian talent currently with Deportivo Cali.
As for Messi, the lingering question is whether this season will be his last in the United States. A potential farewell tour, featuring a friendly against Barcelona, has already been floated by the club’s marketing team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jordi Alba’s departure affect Inter Miami’s defense?
Alba’s exit removes a seasoned left‑back who contributed nine assists and steady defensive coverage. Inter Miami will likely promote a younger prospect and rely more on midfield shielding from Busquets and Rodriguez, but the team may need to adjust its width and overlap patterns in the coming weeks.
Is Lionel Messi likely to retire after the 2025 MLS season?
Messi hasn’t announced retirement, but his contract runs through 2026 and he hinted at evaluating options after the MLS Cup. A farewell tour has been mentioned, suggesting he may stay at least one more season before making a final decision.
What does the win mean for Inter Miami’s playoff positioning?
The three‑point gain pushes Inter Miami into a virtual top‑two spot, giving them a favorable match‑up in the first round of the playoffs. Their improved goal‑difference also serves as a safety net if points are tied later in the season.
How did Atlanta United’s performance impact their playoff hopes?
The 0‑4 loss left Atlanta United nine points behind the final playoff slot, making their upcoming fixtures must‑wins. Coach Rasool emphasized tightening the back line and capitalizing on set‑pieces to claw back into contention.
What’s the outlook for Luis Suárez after his ‘golazo’?
Suárez’s goal boosted his season tally to 11, reaffirming his role as a clutch finisher. If he maintains this form, he could end the season among the league’s top scorers, strengthening his case for a contract extension.
