Lionel Messi Scores Brace, Chases MLS Record After Historic Spanish Honor

Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass for Inter Miami, scoring two second-half goals in a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday. The Argentine star is now just nine goal contributions shy of the MLS single-season record with four games left to play.

Messi was the architect of the win in Atlanta. He provided the assist for Germán Berterame's opening goal just before halftime, tying him for the league lead with his 15th assist. That pass made him the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three straight seasons. He then took over after the break, scoring in the 56th and 60th minutes to put the game out of reach. Those strikes brought his league-leading tally to 25 goals, making him only the second player ever to have multiple 25-goal seasons.

Just days before that match, Messi was in Oviedo, Spain, to receive the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The 39-year-old was honored for his unparalleled career and his social work. Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, presented the award. She praised Messi for turning "the extraordinary into routine" and for prioritizing the collective over individual ego. The ceremony was a formal recognition of his impact beyond the pitch, coming with a prize of 50,000 euros.

Even in the latter stages of their careers, Messi and his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo continue to dominate football's financial landscape. According to a recent Forbes list, Ronaldo leads with projected earnings of $300 million for the year. His income includes a $70 million salary from Inter Miami and $75 million from endorsements and investments, including new deals with OpenAI and Duracell. Their combined $445 million represents nearly half of the total earnings of the world's top ten highest-paid footballers.

In a landmark moment for the sport, they finally will. Messi has agreed to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in a special farewell match for Carlos Tevez this December. The exhibition will be held at Boca Juniors' iconic La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. Tevez is assembling a team of international stars to face a side of Argentine and Boca legends. The event, likely scheduled for December 20, is already generating massive global interest for broadcast and ticket sales.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Messi has 25 goals and 15 assists this MLS season, chasing the single-season contributions record. He received the Princess of Asturias Award in Spain on October 24. He and Ronaldo will earn a combined $445 million this year. The two legends will share a pitch for Tevez's farewell match in December 2026.

With the MLS playoffs approaching, Messi's form is peaking at the perfect time. His next challenge is a trip to face the New York Red Bulls this Saturday as he continues his pursuit of history.