Messi Hits 936 Career Goals With Stunning Miami Brace Against Atlanta

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi is still doing things that defy explanation. The Inter Miami captain scored twice in the space of four minutes on Saturday night to sink Atlanta United 3-1, taking his otherworldly career tally to 936 goals — just 64 short of the mythical 1,000. Miami had to be patient at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. German Berterame broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, and it was the Mexican striker who combined with Messi for the second: in the 56th minute, Messi drove infield from the right wing, exchanged passes with Berterame and fired a low finish into the net. Four minutes later the South American connection struck again — Luis Suarez released Messi on the breakaway and the 39-year-old beat his marker before lashing past the goalkeeper. Fafa Picault's 89th-minute penalty was a mere consolation for the hosts. The brace keeps Messi top of the MLS Golden Boot race with 25 goals, six clear of his nearest challenger, and he is now tied with LAFC's Son Heung-min for the league's most assists on 15 — making him the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. His 23 goal involvements in his last 14 games tell the story of a player operating on a different plane. "He loves a challenge," said Miami manager Kily Gonzalez, who is backing his captain to reach four figures. "I believe he'll reach 1,000 goals. I have faith in that." It was Miami's third straight victory — following wins over DC United and New York City — cementing second place in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville with the playoffs already secured. Next up: a trip to the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Since retiring from international football with Argentina earlier this month, Messi's sole focus is club football — and on this form, the 1,000-goal chase is no longer a fantasy. It is a countdown. Read more: Ballon d'Or 2026: Yamal vs Kane #LionelMessi #InterMiami #MLS #936 #Football