Lionel Messi was on target as Inter Miami avenged last season’s playoff heartbreak against Atlanta United with a 2-1 victory on Sunday, a result that propelled them to the top of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.
Haitian veteran Fafa Picault sealed the win in the 89th minute, heading home from a Jordi Alba cross to extend Miami’s unbeaten start to the season. The victory was particularly satisfying for Miami, who were stunned by Atlanta in last year’s playoffs in one of the biggest upsets in MLS history.
A thrilling encounter at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, watched by 42,843 fans, seemed destined for a draw after a heroic goalkeeping display from Brad Guzan kept Miami at bay for much of the game.
However, Picault’s late header, placed beyond Guzan’s reach at the far post, ensured Miami snatched all three points in dramatic fashion.
Atlanta struck first in the 11th minute through Ivory Coast forward Emmanuel Latte Lath. Brooks Lennon latched onto a deep pass from Miguel Almiron before delivering a pinpoint cross for Latte Lath, who guided a header into the net.
Miami, however, responded swiftly, with Messi punishing Atlanta’s defensive lapse just nine minutes later. Polish midfielder Bartosz Silsz was caught in possession near the box, allowing Messi to steal the ball, evade Derrick Williams, and delicately chip it over Guzan for the equaliser.
Both teams had chances in the second half. Atlanta’s Tristan Muyumba unleashed a powerful long-range strike, only for Miami’s goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo to tip it onto the woodwork.
At the other end, Guzan frustrated Messi with a series of fine saves, notably stretching out a leg to deny the Argentine in the 65th minute.
In other matches on Sunday, Nashville SC claimed a 3-1 victory over second-placed Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, defending MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy secured their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at Portland. However, they remain at the bottom of the standings with just one point from four games.
