Lionel Messi stars with two goals and an assist in his first start as Inter Miami THRASH Atlanta United 4-0

It was a night of firsts in Fort Lauderdale. Lionel Messi’s first start for Inter Miami. His first brace, assist and even a new experience for Atlanta United. 

The seventh-placed Eastern Conference MLS club were humiliated by last-placed Inter Miami — and the first to experience the devastation awaiting teams across the nation. 

While Diddy, DJ Khaled, Camila Cabello and the Beckhams created a star-studded feel to the stands, the true star dazzled in the pastel pink shirt soon-to-be, if not already, desired across the globe. 

Messi scored the first two goals of the game, leaving just eight minutes of game time between his outrageous game-winning free kick vs. Cruz Azul and the opener against Atlanta. 

By the 22nd minute it was time to add another; bringing his classic give-and-go move to South Florida. 

The Argentine scored a spectacular brace before Robert Taylor added a third before halftime

DJ Khaled and Diddy were on-hand to watch Lionel Messi’s second game for Inter Miami

Leading the attack, Messi passed to Robert Taylor on his left before receiving the ball back from a slide-rule pull-back, adding the gentlest of touches to find the back of the net. 

Taylor, who at one point was on the books at League One team, Lincoln City, feasted off the presence of Messi turning from provider to profiteer. 

A stunning volley just before half gave Miami a three-goal buffer — and he wasn’t done there. 

Messi’s first assist was a product of his sheer magnetism; drawing three defenders to him, allowing Taylor to sprint from his own half unmarked before the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner laid it off for Taylor to double his tally.

With the embarrassment of Atlanta complete, Messi left the road team with some dignity, exiting the field with 78 minutes gone to a standing ovation and cries of his last name. 

A pitch invader tried to get to the Argentine before he took his seat on the substitutes bench, but just like those in red-and-black he could not get near the diminutive dynamo. 

Christopher McVey created the first – and only – blemish on the night for Miami, giving away a penalty six minutes later. 

Atlanta superstar Thiago Almada stepped up and looked to put United on the board. Didn’t he know there was only room for one Argentine in the spotlight?  

Turns out, he did. The World Cup winner delivered a paltry attempt at Drake Callender’s goal which was duly saved. 

Though, it wasn’t all without reward for Almada, who left DRV PNK Stadium with Messi’s game worn jersey. 

Messi’s work was not over, taking a jersey with his name and number and adding a signature as the inconsequential final minutes played out. 

The obligatory work continued following the final whistle as Messi stopped for a photo with Khaled before etching his name onto paraphernalia of those crowded around the tunnel.

Messi’s last moments inside the Fort Lauderdale stadium brought the lucky fans indescribable joy — his next could be more misery for his opposing contemporaries.

Charlotte FC, you’ve been warned.