Lionel Messi proves he never forgets: Takes rare revenge on opponent with fiery, out-of-character taunt to celebrate solo goal

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi reacts to 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 speak so loudly through celebration, but Atlanta United defender Junior Alonso has given him reason to make an exception. During Inter Miami’s 3-1 win in Atlanta, Messi scored twice before celebrating his second goal right in front of the Paraguayan, who had taunted him during the previous meeting. The moment was playful, pointed and rooted in an argument that clearly stayed with the Argentine.

Messi’s brace saved the game, but the celebration stole the spotlight

Messi scored two wonderful solo goals at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, scoring four minutes apart as Inter Miami won 3-1 away to Atlanta United. The 39-year-old moved to 29 goals for the season and added another memorable performance to a career that has already seen him score more than 900 goals.His second strike was particularly eye-catching. After receiving a long pass from Luis Suárez, Messi took on Junior Alonso and used a series of sharp feints and changes of direction to throw the Atlanta United defender off balance before firing a low-angle shot past the keeper. But Messi wasn’t done with Alonso. He turned to the Paraguayan and celebrated right in front of him, joined by Rodrigo De Paul.Messi then made a twisting, spinning hand gesture, seemingly mocking Alonso for letting himself turn the wrong way after dribbling. The sneer seemed to carry a sharp message: “You’re still spinning.” The gesture was widely interpreted as a reference to an earlier incident between the pair where Alonso celebrated a defensive block in Messi’s face.The reaction stood out because Messi is usually reserved when celebrating against opponents. This time, however, he seemed determined to return some of the treatment he received earlier in the season.

The dispute began after Alonso celebrated the permit in September

The background dates back to September 6, when Inter Miami and Atlanta played out a 2-2 draw. At the end of the match, Alonso blocked Messi’s attempt on goal, then celebrated a defensive save right 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 was angered by his celebration, saying: “Messi was angry because I was celebrating the clearance near him. He told me it was off.”The Paraguayan added: “I told him that when his Argentine team-mates Romero, Paredes and De Paul do it, he doesn’t say anything to them.”That appeared to be the end of the incident, but Messi’s celebration in the second leg suggested he hadn’t forgotten it. Alonso didn’t respond this time anyway, as the Argentinian’s goal and accompanying gesture became one of the most talked about moments of the night.

Messi’s performance carried more than a personal message

The celebration followed another impressive performance from the Inter Miami captain, who scored twice to help his side secure an important road win. The second goal came after Messi received a precise ball from Luis Suárez in midfield, drove towards the box and used a sharp change of direction to beat Alonso before firing past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.Earlier, Messi combined with Germán Berteram 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 run and left them in second place in the Eastern Conference after 30 games.Messi was named Man of the Match and the victory came in a stadium that held special meaning for him. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium also hosted Argentina’s 2026 World Cup semi-final against England, a match Messi later fondly remembered.

Messi reflected on the stadium as Miami turned to their next game

Messi posted on Instagram after the match: “Another win with @intermiamicf in a stadium that brings back beautiful memories from a while ago….”The win also came shortly after Messi bid an emotional farewell to Argentina following his decision to end his international career. He went on to play for Inter Miami, where his latest brace added to his remarkable scoring output and kept the club firmly in the Eastern Conference race.Inter Miami is scheduled to face the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Meanwhile, Alonso has now experienced both sides of Messi’s competitive memory: first celebrating a run to the face, then watching the Argentine return the gesture after beating him in front of the Atlanta crowd.