Brazilian duo strikes again: Messi scores twice and provides one assist, aiming for both top scorer and assist leader titles as Miami dominates 4-0.

At 7:30 AM Beijing time on October 12, during the MLS regular season, Inter Miami welcomed Atlanta United for their last home match of the campaign.

In the first half, Messi missed a clear chance, but soon Rodriguez assisted Messi to break the deadlock. Suarez’s volley hit the post, and Miami led 1-0 at halftime. In the second half, Messi set up Alba for a chip shot to extend the lead, Suarez scored with a volley, and Alba assisted Messi’s finish to complete the “Brazilian connection” brace.

In the end, Inter Miami secured a commanding 4-0 home victory over Atlanta United, closing the gap to the top of the table by 4 points.

Inter Miami lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Atlanta United, with Barcelona veterans under 40 all starting: Suarez upfront, Messi as attacking midfielder, Busquets holding midfield, Alba at left back, with a total starting value of 41.3 million euros; Atlanta United deployed a 3-5-2 formation, starting lineup valued at 27.85 million euros.

There were two main highlights in this match. First, a well-rested Messi still played like a king of football; despite missing three good chances, he still produced 2 goals and 1 assist, earning a 9.6 rating and sharing the top spot with Alba, who was named the best player of the match alongside him. Second, the “Brazilian connection” scored twice. Those inverted triangle crosses and the “Brazilian connection” remain a timeless memory for football fans who love beautiful play. This game was Miami’s final MLS home match this season, and Alba, who still has fuel left, has announced his retirement after this season, making this possibly his perfect farewell. We can call the “Brazilian connection” a dazzling chapter in football history.

After scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist in this match, Messi’s MLS goal tally this season has reached 26, all without penalties, leading the MLS golden boot race by 2 goals. Second place is Boanga from LAFC, who has 24 goals, including 7 penalties. Messi also has 15 assists this season, ranking second in the MLS assist chart, just one behind the leader.

In my personal view, Messi is almost certain to win the MLS Golden Boot this season and is also a strong contender for the MLS assist leader. Loving beautiful football led me to love Messi; loving Messi allows me to enjoy even more beautiful football — it’s that simple and pure.