Messi scores twice and gestures at Alonso in Atlanta
Messi scored in the 56th and 60th minutes and then pointed at Alonso after the second goal; Piko pulled one back in the 89th.
Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 in Atlanta on October 18, 2026, after another remarkable performance from Lionel Messi. The match is being talked about not only for Messi’s two goals but also for the gesture he directed at Atlanta player Alonso after the second strike.
The opening goal arrived just before halftime (45') when Luis Suárez set up Berterame to make it 0–1. In the second half Messi took center stage: he scored in the 56th minute with a finish that drew widespread praise, and four minutes later Suárez fed him again. Messi beat a defender one-on-one with a trademark dribble and slotted home to make it 0–3.
At 39 years old, Messi remains in extraordinary form and on this night proved unstoppable for Atlanta’s defence. After that second goal he reacted in a way rarely seen from him, pointing with a finger toward Alonso to underline the successful dribble and the defender’s helplessness in the face of it.
Reaction on social media and the final minutes
Clips of the dribble and Messi’s gesture spread quickly online. One post from Sudanalytics captured the mood with: "HAHAHA, look at the brace he scores. He is 20 years old again. 🐐" — Sudanalytics (@sudanalytics_), October 18, 2026. Another read: "YOU'RE STILL SPINNING AROUND." — Sudanalytics (@sudanalytics_), October 18, 2026.
Atlanta managed only a late consolation when Piko scored in the 89th minute to set the final score at 1–3. The result keeps Inter Miami rolling in MLS and leaves Atlanta to rue a night when they could not contain Messi’s magic.
The match combined individual brilliance with a flash of provocation that has already become the talking point of the fixture across football circles.
Photo: press material from the event
