James is a Senior Editor for GIVEMESPORT with over eight years of experience in the industry.

After graduating from the University of Southampton in 2016 with a degree in history, he joined the company as an Academy member in July 2017 and, after a short time working as a freelancer, was given a full-time role in February 2018. 

He primarily covers the biggest stories in the football world but is also comfortable reporting on a variety of other sports including darts, golf, Formula 1, tennis, boxing and athletics.

He has covered some massive events during his time at GIVEMESPORT, including numerous Champions League and World Cup finals, as well as the Olympics in 2020 and 2024.
 

Lionel Messi was in brilliant form once again as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United on Saturday evening.

Messi was named in his side's starting lineup for the MLS clash against Inter Miami's Eastern Conference rivals at Pista Mercedes-Benz, and he played an integral part in his side's victory.

The Florida-based side were huge favourites to win the match, and they took the lead in the 45th minute through Germán Berterame.

Messi, who is in the running to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, then scored two brilliant goals in the space of four second half minutes to give his side a three-goal advantage.

For his first, which was scored in the 56th minute, Messi drove forward after picking up the ball just inside his own half and played a couple of one-twos with Berterame before rifling the ball into the back of the net.

For his second, scored on the hour-mark, Messi waltzed past Atlanta's Junior Alonso before coolly rolling the ball into the corner.

The hosts pulled one back in the 89th minute when Fafà Picault scored from the penalty spot but it proved only to be a consolation goal as Inter Miami ran out 3-1 victors.

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul Anger Atlanta Players After Goal

Messi and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul left Atlanta players incensed after the 39-year-old's second goal of the match.

As the Inter Miami duo made their way back to the halfway line after the goal, they both took the opportunity to celebrate in Junior Alonso's face.

That didn't go down well at all with Alonso and some of Atlanta's players, who confronted the pair. The moment was captured by fan footage and you can view it below:

It appears that Messi and De Paul behaved as they did due to an incident which occurred during the match between both sets of teams a month ago.

On September 6, Inter Miami and Atlanta United drew 2-2 at Nu Stadium. Messi had a golden opportunity to win all three points late on in the match, but his close-range effort went wide after a touch from Alonso.

The Paraguayan defender celebrated in Messi's face after blocking his shot.

It therefore seems very likely that Messi and De Paul celebrated in Alonso's face with that incident a month ago at the forefront of their minds.

Inter Miami have just four matches left of the 2026 MLS regular season. They currently occupy second place in the Eastern Conference and have already clinched a playoff spot. They return to action on October 24 when they face New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium.