"He never ceases to amaze the world," Kily Gonzalez told goal.com after Lionel Messi scored twice in Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Atlantas. It was the sort of reaction that made sense once you saw the goals and heard the rest of the coach's praise. At 39, Messi is still producing numbers and moments that most forwards would take at any age.
Gonzalez went further than a standard post-match compliment. "I mean, I honestly can't believe that a guy like him, at 39 years old, is doing what he's doing. And what makes me happiest is seeing that he's truly happy. Because he's happy, he gives everything he has. He enjoys himself and feels right at home."
Messi's latest match-winning burst
The key stretch came just after half-time. Messi scored in the 56th minute after a quick one-two with Berterame, then struck again four minutes later to take control of the game for Miami.
That quick double is the real reason Gonzalez sounded so emphatic afterwards. Coaches praise big players all the time. They do not usually admit they still cannot quite believe what they are watching.
He also made clear that Messi's impact goes beyond the finishers' numbers. "As I always say, he pushes us to be better every single day. It's an immense joy to have him here."
That line probably lands hardest inside the dressing room. Messi is still the attacking reference point, but Gonzalez framed him as a daily standard-setter too, which fits the broader sense that Miami are still being dragged upward by his level.
The numbers, and the claims around them
The verified 2026 return in this article is strong on its own: Messi has 8 goals in 8 appearances this season. His season rating stands at 8.8 when rounded to one decimal, and he also has a recent perfect 10 in one match. Those are elite figures without any need to stretch the case.
There are also wider claims from goal.com around the campaign. The report says Messi's brace moved him to 25 goals, gave him a six-goal cushion in the MLS Golden Boot race and left him tied for the division lead on 15 assists. It also says he became the first player in league history to reach 15 assists in three straight seasons.
Those figures should be treated carefully alongside the verified season line of 8 goals in 8 appearances, because they are not supported here by the same approved statistical record. The broader point still holds, though: whether you stick to the verified 2026 numbers or include the larger competition-wide claims from the match report, Messi's output remains exceptional.
Gonzalez even backed him for another landmark, saying: "Yes, I believe he'll reach 1,000 goals". That is the coach's belief rather than a prediction you can state as fact, but it fits the mood around a player who still makes routine football language sound inadequate.
Inter Miami's dependence is still obvious
Inter Miami have now won three in a row, and Messi remains central to almost every conversation around them. That is not new, but at 39 it still feels unusual because the level has not dipped into nostalgia. He is still deciding matches.
Miami's latest win gave Gonzalez another reason to sound almost incredulous, and the details of the brace explain why. Messi combined quickly for the first on 56 minutes, scored again by the hour mark, and finished the night with his coach repeating a line that is hard to argue with: he never ceases to amaze the world.
FAQ
Why is Kily Gonzalez praising Lionel Messi so strongly at Inter Miami?
Gonzalez's reaction followed Messi's brace in Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Atlantas. He said Messi 'never ceases to amaze the world' and added that he could hardly believe what the 39-year-old is still producing. Gonzalez also pointed to Messi's happiness and daily standards inside the squad.
How well is Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami this season?
The verified numbers in this article show Messi has 8 goals in 8 appearances in the 2026 season. He also has a season rating of 8.8 when rounded to one decimal, which backs up the idea that his overall level remains extremely high, not just his finishing.
Did Lionel Messi score twice against Atlantas for Inter Miami?
Yes. Messi scored a brace in Inter Miami's 3-1 victory over Atlantas. His first came in the 56th minute after a quick one-two with Berterame, and he scored again four minutes later.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
