WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 home MLS win over Atlanta United on Saturday.

Messi put his side ahead in the 39th minute by combining with Baltasar Rodriguez and curling a shot into the far corner from just inside the 18-yard box.

Jordi Alba doubled the lead just after halftime when he ran onto Messi's perfectly weighted diagonal pass and lobbed a shot over goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert.

Luis Suarez made it 3-0 with a spectacular long-range volley after latching onto a headed defensive clearance.

Messi then controlled Alba's long pass with his chest before firing low past Hibbert. The 38-year-old Argentina captain now has 26 goals and 18 assists in 27 MLS appearances this season.

Saturday's result leaves Inter Miami with 62 points from 33 games, four points behind Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia with one matchday remaining. Atlanta United is 14th in the 15-team standings. ■