Lionel Messi got revenge on a player who riled him up to a level rarely seen as Inter Miami beat Atlanta 3-1 away from home.

Messi recently called time on his glittering international career, having been given an emotional send-off in his last game for Argentina.

But the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner hasn't yet hung up his boots and is still producing magical moments in the MLS with his club side.

Lionel Messi scores two stunning solo goals minutes apart

Messi scored two scintillating solo goals four minutes apart at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, moving to 29 strikes for the season.

The 39-year-old has scored more than 900 career goals in his career but enjoyed his second strike more than most.

Messi absolutely destroyed Junior Alonso, twisting him inside and out before slotting home and wheeling away in celebration.

As Messi headed back to the halfway line for the restart, he couldn't resist goading Alonso.

Why did Lionel Messi celebrate in front of Atlanta United player?

Both he and close friend Rodrigo De Paul celebrated right in front of the Paraguayan's face. It was out of character for the usually low-key Messi, who was also seen performing a spinning gesture which appeared to be a reference to what he did to the defender.

However, there was actually a lot of context to explain why Messi acted in such a manner.

In a previous meeting on the pitch, where Inter and Atlanta played out a 2-2 draw, Alonso celebrated square in the face of Messi after blocking one of his shots.

The Barcelona legend did not show it at the time but he showed how furious he was after the game when he confronted Alonso after the clash.

Teammates from both sides tried to diffuse the situation but it continued down the tunnel, with Messi understandably not happy with the former Lille man's disrespect.

Alonso opened up about their altercation afterwards, explaining: "Messi was angry because I celebrated a clearance near him. He told me that was out of line.

"I told him that when his Argentina teammates Romero, Paredes and De Paul do that, he doesn't say anything to them.”

Messi got his revenge in a big way in their latest meeting though, with Alonso not responding on this occasion.

Messi was named Man of the Match following a victory which came at the same stadium where he and Argentina defeated England in the World Cup semi-final.

Taking to Instagram to reflect, he wrote: "Another victory with @intermiamicf in a stadium that brings back beautiful memories from a little while ago....."

Inter Miami are second in the MLS Eastern Conference after 30 games played and are back in action on Saturday when they take on the New York Red Bulls.