Is that guy really 39?

That's what Inter Miami manager Christian "Kily" Gonzalez is asking after Lionel Messi's double to help his club to a 3-1 win over Atlanta United on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The Argentine star scored goals in the 56th and 60th minutes of the victory, taking his season total to 25 goals. The first was vintage Messi, with No. 10 on the ball near midfield as Atlanta defenders scrambled to get into a better position to stop him.

After a pass to forward Germán Berterame at the top of the box, Messi got the ball back in the area, dribbled around a defender, then finished with his left foot to double Miami's lead.

Moments later, it was Luis Suarez freeing Messi for a one-on-one battle with Atlanta defender Junior Alonso. Messi swerved to his right, then got back on his left foot as the Atlanta goalkeeper tried to help, only for Messi to knock his shot into the goal.

"He never stops surprising the world," Gonzalez said in his post-match news conference. "I can’t believe that this guy, Leo, does what he does when he’s 39 years old. What makes me the most happy is that he’s happy.

"So, with him being happy, he performs, he enjoys, he’s happy where he’s at and as I always say he makes us be better every day. Every time I see him, I smile because I end up surprised, like I just said."

What did Lionel Messi say about Inter Miami's win over Atlanta United?

For his part, Messi posted on Instagram celebrating "another win with Inter Miami in a stadium that brings me beautiful memories from not long ago..." Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium was home to a pair of famous Argentina wins during the 2026 World Cup, with Argentina first rallying past Egypt to win 3-2 despite trailing as late as the 79th minute.

The Albiceleste then scored two goals after the 85th minute in the World Cup semifinal against England, securing a place in the final and an important victory over a long-time rival.

With Messi now retired from the Argentina national team, his focus remains on the Herons, who still have an outside shot at winning the Supporters' Shield after Nashville SC dropped points Saturday.