Messi Shines for Inter Miami After Argentina Rest Break

Lionel Messi reminded everyone of his enduring brilliance with a decisive brace in Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, less than 24 hours after being rested by Argentina for their friendly against Venezuela.

The 38-year-old talisman, who was included in Lionel Scaloni’s national squad for the October friendlies, skipped Argentina’s 1-0 win at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to allow Scaloni to test the partnership of Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. Yet, with Inter Miami still active during the international break, his availability became a hot topic in Florida.

In a move that highlighted his unwavering commitment to club football, Messi received clearance to feature in Miami’s penultimate MLS regular-season match. Manager Javier Mascherano revealed post-match that he had spoken to Scaloni on Friday: “He told me he wasn’t going to use Leo, so I asked if he could play for us. It was Leo’s decision, and he was ready. Even without training all week, he made the difference.”

Messi opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a trademark curling strike before sealing the win with his 26th goal of the campaign in the 87th, putting him atop the MLS scoring charts. Between those two moments of brilliance, he also set up Jordi Alba for Miami’s third goal, while Luis Suárez added the fourth in a clinical display from the Herons.

With Inter Miami already assured of a playoff berth, they now sit third in the Eastern Conference, level on points with FC Cincinnati, as Messi’s extraordinary influence continues to push the team toward a title challenge few imagined possible when he arrived last summer.

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