Argentine star Lionel Messi scored twice to lead his team Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United, taking sole possession of the top scorer spot in Major League Soccer.

“La Pulga” netted the first and fourth goals in the 39th and 87th minutes, raising his tally to 26 goals, two ahead of Gabonese striker Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC.

At 38 years old, Messi also assisted the second goal for his team with a pass to former Spanish international Jordi Alba in the 52nd minute, marking his 19th assist this season, while Uruguayan Luis Suarez scored the third goal in the 61st minute.

Inter Miami, having already secured qualification to the playoffs, continued to improve its standing in the Eastern Conference, strengthening its third place with 62 points, behind second-placed Cincinnati on goal difference, and four points behind Philadelphia, the leader who clinched the Supporters’ Shield as the best regular-season team.

Notably, several Argentine national team stars including Paredes, De Paul, Otamendi, and Lo Celso attended the match between Inter Miami and Atlanta to celebrate Messi’s two goals and his assist, despite having played a match against Venezuela two days earlier which ended in a 1-0 victory for Argentina without Messi.

In addition to earning the man of the match award with a rating of 9.6 out of 10, Messi achieved and reinforced several new records.