Lionel Messi mocks opponent with uncharacteristic taunt after stunning solo goal

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi reacts after a goal against Atlanta United during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Lionel Messi rarely lets his football do the talking quite so loudly through a celebration, but Atlanta United defender Junior Alonso had given him a reason to make an exception. During Inter Miami’s 3-1 win in Atlanta, Messi scored twice, then celebrated his second goal directly in front of the Paraguayan who had taunted him during their previous meeting.

The moment was playful, pointed and rooted in an argument that had clearly stayed with the Argentine.

Messi’s brace settled the match, but the celebration stole attention

Messi produced two superb solo goals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, scoring four minutes apart as Inter Miami won 3-1 away from Atlanta United. The 39-year-old moved to 29 goals for the season, adding another memorable performance to a career that has already brought him more than 900 goals.His second strike was particularly eye-catching. After receiving a long pass from Luis Suárez, Messi took on Junior Alonso, using a series of sharp feints and changes of direction to leave the Atlanta United defender off balance before firing a low, angled finish past the goalkeeper.

But Messi was not finished with Alonso. He turned towards the Paraguayan and celebrated directly in front of him, with Rodrigo De Paul joining in.Messi then made a twisting, spinning gesture with his hand, seemingly mocking Alonso for being left turning in the wrong direction after his dribbling. The taunt appeared to carry a pointed message: “You’re still spinning.” The gesture was widely interpreted as a reference to the earlier incident between the pair, when Alonso had celebrated a defensive block in Messi’s face.

The reaction stood out because Messi is usually restrained when celebrating against opponents. This time, however, he appeared determined to return a little of the treatment he had received earlier in the season.

The dispute began after Alonso celebrated a clearance in September

The background dates to September 6, when Inter Miami and Atlanta played out a 2-2 draw. Alonso blocked a goal-bound Messi attempt late in the match, then celebrated the defensive intervention directly in front of the Argentine.Messi confronted him after the final whistle, and teammates from both sides tried to calm the exchange before it continued towards the tunnel. Alonso later explained that Messi had been angered by his celebration, saying: “Messi was angry because I celebrated a clearance near him. He told me that was out of line.”The Paraguayan added: “I told him that when his Argentina teammates Romero, Paredes and De Paul do that, he doesn't say anything to them.”

The incident had appeared to end there, but Messi’s celebration in the rematch suggested he had not forgotten it. Alonso did not respond in the same way this time, as the Argentine’s goal and accompanying gesture became one of the night’s most discussed moments.

Messi’s performance carried more than a personal message

The celebration followed another commanding display from Inter Miami’s captain, who scored twice and helped his side secure an important road victory. The second goal came after Messi received a through ball from Luis Suárez near midfield, drove towards the box and used sharp changes of direction to beat Alonso before shooting past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.

Earlier, Messi had combined with Germán Berterame for the opening goal, while Atlanta’s Fafa Picault scored from the penalty spot late in the match. Inter Miami’s third goal completed the 3-1 result, leaving the team second in the Eastern Conference after 30 matches.Messi was named Man of the Match, and the victory came at a stadium that held particular significance for him. Mercedes-Benz Stadium had also hosted Argentina’s 2026 World Cup semi-final against England, a match Messi later recalled fondly.

Messi reflected on the stadium, while Miami turned towards its next game

After the match, Messi posted on Instagram: “Another victory with @intermiamicf in a stadium that brings back beautiful memories from a little while ago.....”

The win also came shortly after Messi received an emotional farewell from Argentina, following his decision to end his international career. He has continued playing for Inter Miami, where his latest brace added to his remarkable scoring record and kept the club firmly in the Eastern Conference race.

Inter Miami are scheduled to face the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Alonso, meanwhile, has now experienced both sides of Messi’s competitive memory: first celebrating a clearance in his face, then watching the Argentine return the gesture after beating him in front of the Atlanta crowd.