He never ceases to amaze: Gonzalez backs Messi for 1,000 goals after Atlanta masterclass

Major League Soccer, Round 30Atlanta United FC 1 3 Full Time Inter Miami Venue Atlanta Stadium Referee Allen ChapmanFaf Picault 89 (Pen) Germn Berterame 45Lionel Messi 56Lionel Messi 60Inter Miami head coach Kily Gonzalez backed Lionel Messi to reach 1,000 career goals following another match-winning masterclass in the win at Atlanta. Messi took centre stage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, producing a devastating four-minute blitz in the second half to score twice after earlier register an assist. The result solidifies Miamis grip on second place in the Eastern Conference, while leaving the hosts languishing down in 14th spot.Former Argentina winger Gonzalez admitted he still finds it difficult to process what the eight-time Ballon dOr winner continues to produce well into his late thirties.He never ceases to amaze the world, Gonzlez said. I mean, I honestly cant believe that a guy like him, at 39 years old, is doing what hes doing.And what makes me happiest is seeing that hes truly happy. Because hes happy, he gives everything he has. He enjoys himself and feels right at home.The Miami boss was equally keen to highlight how the former Argentina captains relentless hunger continues to elevate everyone around him.As I always say, he pushes us to be better every single day, Gonzalez said.Its an immense joy to have him here. Every time I see him, he brings a smile to my face. Im still constantly amazed by him.Following a cagey opening period, Miami broke the deadlock right on the stroke of halftime through German Berterame, who finished neatly after intricate build-up play involving both Messi and Luis Suarez. Atlanta United FC Inter Miami 1 Goals 3 2.3 xG 1.85 44% Possession 56% 20 Total Shots 7 3 Shots on Target 5 10 Shots off Target 1 5 Corners 2 8 Fouls 11 0 Offsides 3 3 Yellow Cards 2 2 Saves 2 431 Passes 566 381 Passes Completed 505 88% Pass Accuracy 89% Home Away Messi then took full control of the contest early in the second half. On 56 minutes, he traded a slick one-two with Berterame before dancing past his marker to roll a composed finish into the bottom corner.Just four minutes later, Suarez turned provider with a through ball on the counter, allowing Messi to surge clear and place an emphatic strike beyond Lucas Hoyos.Atlanta snatched a late consolation when Fafa Picault converted from the penalty spot.The double elevated Messis extraordinary career tally to 936 goals, leaving a historic four-figure total firmly within sight. When asked if the forward can realistically breach the 1,000-goal barrier before hanging up his boots, Gonzalez expressed total faith in his talisman.Yes, I believe hell reach 1,000 goals, he said.I have faith in that. I know he will, because he loves a challenge, he sets challenges for himself and since hes already achieved everything else, this will be no exception.Messi now has 25 league goals for the campaign.The Major League Soccer Table Major League Soccer 2026 USA Eastern Conference #TeamPlayedWonDrawnLostGFGAGDPtsLast 5 1 Nashville SC30207364234167 D W W W W 2 Inter Miami301510573512255 W W W L D 3 New England Revolution30164104941852 W W L L W 4 Chicago Fire30146105244848 L L W W W 5 Charlotte3013895345847 D L W L W 6 Philadelphia Union301371061481346 D W W W W 7 Orlando City SC30125135870-1241 W D W L L 8 New York Red Bulls30106143956-1736 L L W L W 9 FC Cincinnati2899106068-836 L W L D D 10 Toronto FC30812104655-936 W D W L L 11 New York City FC30810124341234 D L L D L 12 DC United29712103751-1433 L W L D L 13 Columbus Crew2995154447-332 W L W W L 14 Atlanta United FC3086163751-1430 L W L D W 15 CF Montreal3067173660-2425 D L L W L Position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 : Promotion MLS (Play Offs: 1/8-finals) Position 8, 9 : Promotion MLS (Play Offs: 1/16-finals) Upcoming fixtures for Atlanta United FC and Inter Miami Upcoming Fixtures : Atlanta United FC Major League Soccer Atlanta United FC 00:30 2026-10-25 Chicago Fire CHI Major League Soccer New York City FC 23:30 2026-10-28 Atlanta United FC Major League Soccer Atlanta United FC 21:30 2026-11-01 Toronto FC TOR Major League Soccer New York Red Bulls YOR 21:00 2026-11-07 Atlanta United FC Upcoming Fixtures : Inter Miami Major League Soccer New York Red Bulls YOR 22:30 2026-10-24 Inter Miami Major League Soccer Inter Miami 23:30 2026-10-28 FC Cincinnati Major League Soccer New England Revolution ENG 00:00 2026-11-02 Inter Miami Major League Soccer Inter Miami 21:00 2026-11-07 Charlotte Topics Argentina National Football Team Inter Miami CF Lionel Messi If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Atlanta United FC v Inter Miami: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as Messi looks to add to goal tally Jon Fisher 15th October, 2026 Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are good for each other, says Gonzalez, as champions secure play-off spot Jon Fisher 15th October, 2026 Messi bags brace in first game since Argentina farewell Lauren Lister 11th October, 2026 Inter Miami v DC United: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as Messi returns to MLS Jon Fisher 9th October, 2026 It was an incredible road: Messi speaks out after Argentina retirement Tom Rostance 7th October, 2026 The GOAT: Lionel Messi reluctantly walks away from Argentina on emotional night in Buenos Aires Jon Fisher 7th October, 2026