Inter Miami secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atlanta United, with Lionel Messi scoring his first goal of the regular season in the 20th minute. The match, held on Saturday, marked Messi's second regular-season appearance for Miami after missing three games due to muscle fatigue. The game-winning moment came late in the match, with Fafa Picault scoring his first goal for Inter Miami in the 89th minute.
Messi's return to the field was eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike after his absence from three games. His impact was immediate, as he found the back of the net early, setting the tone for an intense match. Previously, Messi had come off the bench during a 2-0 win at Cavalier FC of Jamaica, signaling his readiness to contribute to Miami's campaign.
Inter Miami's journey in the season has been intense, with the team already having played eight matches due to their involvement in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Despite this demanding schedule, Miami demonstrated resilience and skill against Atlanta United. The home team, Atlanta, managed to keep the pressure on Miami throughout the game, largely thanks to Brad Guzan's efforts. Guzan, who played a pivotal role in Atlanta's playoff upset of Miami last year, made six crucial saves during the match.
However, it was Picault who delivered the decisive blow for Miami. His unlikely header wrong-footed Guzan, clinching the match and securing three points for his team. This win advances Inter Miami to three wins and one draw, positioning them at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference with ten points through four games.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, experienced a setback with this loss. Their current record stands at one win, one draw, and two losses for the season. Despite Guzan's efforts in goal, Atlanta could not prevent Inter Miami from capitalizing on their opportunities.
