"Messi's goal is only scored by the best player in history"

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano on Sunday praised Lionel Messi's beautiful goal, his first of the 2025 MLS season, as the Florida side beat Atlanta United 2-1.

"Leo's goal is a goal that only the best player in the history of the sport can score. That's all there is to say. He's a player who has the ability to score the most beautiful goals you'll ever see," the coach told a news conference.

The Argentinian star's goal came in the 20th minute when he capitalised on a terrible mistake at the back by Bartosz Slisz. Messi, very attentive, stole his wallet, left Derrick Williams on the ground, and then took the ball with an exquisite touch in front of Brad Guzan's goal.

After Messi's gem, Fafa Picault headed home from a corner in the 89th minute to give Inter Miami a 2-1 comeback win over Atlanta United, the very team that knocked them out of the MLS Cup play-offs in 2024.

As Inter Miami coach, Mascherano has yet to taste defeat after three wins and a draw in MLS and four consecutive wins in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

"You have to understand that this is just the beginning and it's a long road. I like to keep my guard up and not relax. I think we have to enjoy the moment but it's just a moment, nothing more," he added.

Messi will now travel with the Argentina national team for the South American Qualifiers double-header against Uruguay and Brazil. Inter Miami will not play again until 29 March.