Inter Miami are building real momentum at the right time of the season. A 3-1 win over Atlanta United, reported by GOAL, saw Lionel Messi deliver a stunning brace that extended his lead at the top of the MLS Golden Boot standings. Sitting second in the Eastern Conference with 55 points from 30 games, as the standings confirm, the Herons are firmly positioned among the playoff contenders with Nashville SC the only side ahead of them.

The result followed a 2-0 victory over New York City FC that secured Miami's playoff place, with Germán Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul on the scoresheet. Three wins from their last five across all competitions, scoring ten goals in that run, points to a squad with genuine confidence under coach Kily Gonzalez.

Off the pitch, Messi travelled to Oviedo to collect the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, becoming the first individual footballer to receive the honour. Gonzalez confirmed the 39-year-old rejoined the squad two days after the ceremony, as GOAL reported, and his return coincided with that match-winning display against Atlanta.

Miami now travel to Sports Illustrated Stadium to face Red Bull New York, as the fixture data shows, with kick-off set for October 24. The Red Bulls sit ninth in the East and are fighting to stay in playoff contention, making this a fixture Miami will expect to approach with confidence.