FORT LAUDERDALE — Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history to record 30 goal contributions in three separate seasons Saturday night, tallying two assists in Inter Miami’s 2-2 home draw against Atlanta United.
Messi’s 30 goal contributions this season — 18 goals and 12 assists — moved him past LAFC all-time leading scorer Denis Bouanga and FC Cincinnati Best XI midfielder Evander on the league’s record list. The milestone came in his first match since announcing his retirement from Argentina’s national team following a run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final over the summer.
The 39-year-old’s corner kick in the 32nd minute found the head of Casemiro, who nodded home his second goal in two games to open the scoring. Messi later picked up a secondary assist on Luis Suárez’s go-ahead goal, placing a ball through pressure to Telasco Segovia.
Messi’s production has placed him in pole position for a third straight Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. He all but secured another 30-contribution season last week in a historic 7-1 win over CF Montréal, when he recorded four goals and an assist.
Atlanta clawed back a point through new Designated Player Breel Embolo, who scored a late penalty kick equalizer on his Five Stripes debut. The Swiss international’s goal and Atlanta’s survival of Miami’s last-ditch attempts denied the defending MLS Cup champions a full three points.
The draw is a setback for Inter Miami’s pursuit of Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield-leading Nashville SC, who sit 10 points ahead. Miami visits Robert Lewandowski and Chicago Fire FC on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET before a blockbuster clash against Nashville on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, both on Apple TV.