WATCH: Lionel Messi dances past defenders, lobs past goalkeeper as Inter Miami superstar scores stunning goal on return to MLS action

Lionel Messi danced past two defenders before scoring a stunning goal for Inter Miami that saw him lob Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

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• Messi on the scoresheet again
• Rolled back the years for typical finish
• Returned to MLS action after long rest

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Herons claimed a form of revenge over their domestic rivals for the shock MLS Cup play-off defeat that they suffered in 2024. That setback dashed silverware dreams for Messi and Co, but they are back in the hunt for more major honours this term.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  An unbeaten start to the 2025 campaign has been enjoyed, across MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup competition, with Messi’s workload being carefully managed. He was returned to Javier Mascherano’s starting XI against Atlanta after seeing plenty of rest and bench duty.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  It took just 20 minutes for Messi to make a decisive contribution as he pounced on a heavy touch, burst into the box, left one Atlanta defender on the deck and calmly clipped the ball over the onrushing Guzan. Inter Miami would go on to win the game 2-1 courtesy of a dramatic 89th-minute header from Fafa Picault.