Lionel Messi scores twice in four minutes as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1 to extend their winning run ahead of the MLS playoffs

Lionel Messi produced another decisive performance as Inter Miami strengthened their MLS title defence with a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday.

Also read: Flamingos Suffer 2-1 Defeat to Poland in U-17 World Cup

The 39-year-old Argentine scored twice within four minutes after halftime, helping Inter Miami record their third consecutive victory with the MLS playoffs approaching.

The result also extended Miami’s impressive run under interim head coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez, who took charge of the team last month.

Messi remains at the top of the MLS scoring chart with 25 goals, six ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Philadelphia Union forward Milan Iloski.

Inter Miami took the lead shortly before half-time through German Berterame.

Messi played a key role in the opening goal, heading the ball towards Luis Suarez, who held off his marker inside the box before lofting a pass towards Berterame.

The forward nodded the ball home in the 45th minute to give Miami a 1-0 advantage at the break.

Messi then took centre stage after the interval.

In the 56th minute, Berterame turned provider, finding Messi inside the box. The Argentine weaved through the Atlanta defence before firing a left-footed effort into the net to make it 2-0.

Just four minutes later, Messi struck again.

The forward raced clear after receiving a pass from Suarez and got the better of Atlanta defender Junior Alonso before beating goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to put Miami firmly in control.

Fafa Picault scored from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to give Atlanta a late lifeline, but Miami held on comfortably for another important victory.

Messi also registered an assist during the match, moving level with Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-min at the top of the MLS assists standings.

The Argentine has now become the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

His latest goals take his tally to four in three matches since his emotional Argentina farewell.

Inter Miami had already secured their place in the MLS playoffs before the victory and are building momentum at an important stage of the campaign.

The defeat leaves Atlanta United in a difficult position as the regular season enters its final stages.

Gerardo Martino’s side sit second from bottom in the Eastern Conference and are running out of opportunities to rescue their playoff hopes.

While Miami continue to gather momentum, Atlanta will need a significant turnaround to remain in contention for postseason qualification.

Elsewhere, St Louis City’s MLS record-equalling 19-match unbeaten run came to an end with a 3-2 defeat away to Minnesota United.

St Louis had taken an early lead through Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro and South Korean winger Jeong Sang-bin.

Minnesota responded after half-time through Aziel Jackson and Kelvin Yeboah before Canadian Marcus Caldeira scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute.

The defeat ended St Louis’ 21-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten MLS run to 15 matches after drawing 2-2 with Charlotte.

Also read: Flamingos Suffer 2-1 Defeat to Poland in U-17 World Cup

The Union had won eight consecutive league matches before the home draw but remain among the strongest sides heading towards the playoffs.