Chase Stadium-Lionel Messi scored a brace, while Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba each added a goal to lead Inter Miami CF to a 4–0 victory over Atlanta United on Alba’s special recognition night. Jordi Alba was honored after the match for his outstanding career. He recently announced that he will retire from the “beautiful game” following this final MLS season with Inter Miami.
Starting XI
The Herons lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Atlanta United on Saturday night. Rocco Ríos Novo started in goal, with Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Luján, Tomás Avilés, and Marcelo Weigandt forming the defensive quartet. Sergio Busquets and Yannick Bright operated as the double pivot in midfield, while Baltasar Rodríguez, Tadeo Allende, and Lionel Messi played higher up the pitch. Luis Suárez led the line as the lone striker for the Herons.
Starting XI for #InterMiamiCF#Messi starts, De Paul sits…#MLS #MLSes #lemoncitylive pic.twitter.com/wtwNjUCVTW
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 11, 2025
Match Action
Inter Miami CF immediately took control of the match against a depleted Atlanta United side. The Herons came close to scoring early but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Hibert closes #Messi out & denies the GOAT 🐐..#MLS #MLSes #Lemoncitylive
pic.twitter.com/dgOjaiVXiw— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 12, 2025
Miami’s opening goal came from a midfield steal by Baltasar Rodríguez, followed by a precise pass to Lionel Messi, who curled a wonderful shot high into the Atlanta net to give the Herons a 1–0 lead in the 39th minute of the first half
Quien más que él… Golazo de Leoooo 🤩⚽️ pic.twitter.com/kVtxVTA2PK
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 12, 2025
Messi pinged a fantastic pass over the Atlanta defense to Jordi Alba, who controlled it beautifully and lobbed it over the goalkeeper to make it 2–0 for Miami early in the second half.
Lionel #Messi pings a long distance dime to the eternal recipient of his passes, Jordi Alba.. Alba lobs it over Hibbert for the 2-0 #InterMiamiCF lead..#MLS #MLSes #lemoncitylive
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 12, 2025
Luis Suárez joined the fun with a stunning volley off a floated defensive header by an Atlanta United player. Miami led 3–0 in the 61st minute, and the rout was on.
“El Pistolero”! Luis Suarez blasts a volley into the Atlanta net after eyeing a floating defensive header fall to his right foot..#MLS #MLSes #lemoncitylive
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 12, 2025
The GOAT closed out the evening with a sublime finish off a superb long-distance pass from Jordi Alba, sealing a 4–0 victory in the Herons’ final regular-season match at Chase Stadium.
Jordi Alba returns the favor & serves #Messi a pinpoint pass for the 🐐 ’s record breaking 9th multi goal game of this #MLS season..
pic.twitter.com/vbzqKHu0zs— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 12, 2025
Postgame
The legendary Jordi Alba, one of the best left-backs in football history, received a special video tribute after the match from teammates, friends, and family.
Reconocimiento especial para uno de los grandes laterales izquierdos en la historia del fútbol..#InterMiamiCF #MLS #Messi
pic.twitter.com/klWrnbFqbj— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 12, 2025
Alba took a moment to thank his teammates, fans, club employees, David Beckham, and Jorge and José Mas. He made it clear that his career was coming to an end, but not before doing everything he could to help Miami win a championship.
https://Twitter.com/XGLAVOZ/status/1977196393757655048
Final Thoughts
Jordi Alba’s special recognition came on a night when everything seemed to go right for Inter Miami. Lionel Messi scored a brace, marking his record-breaking ninth multi-goal game in an MLS season. Alba contributed a goal and an assist of his own, while Luis Suárez scored a spectacular strike, and Sergio Busquets was outstanding in midfield. The vintage ex-Barcelona stars all took a moment to showcase their greatness on a feel-good night for the Herons.
Saturday’s match was Inter Miami’s final regular-season game at Chase Stadium. Miami Freedom Park is next, but before then, the Herons have the opportunity to capture an MLS Cup to bring to their new home.
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