Lionel Messi scored in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United, avenging last season’s playoff exit. The win, propelled by Fafa Picault’s last-minute header, placed Miami at the top of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. Atlanta initially led with a goal from Emmanuel Latte Lath, but Messi equalized soon after by capitalizing on defensive errors. The match featured strong performances from goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Rocco Rios Novo, who both made critical saves. Meanwhile, Nashville SC defeated Philadelphia Union 3-1 in another Eastern Conference match, and the Los Angeles Galaxy managed a 1-1 draw with Portland in the Western Conference.
Lionel Messi scored as Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United, avenging last year’s playoff exit. This win propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings in Major League Soccer on Sunday. Veteran Haiti international Fafa Picault netted the decisive goal in the 89th minute, sealing a crucial victory that maintained Miami’s unbeaten start to the season. This match offered sweet revenge for Miami, who had faced a surprising elimination by Atlanta in last year’s playoffs, which is regarded as one of the biggest upsets in MLS history.
The match was an exhilarating contest in front of 42,843 spectators at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and it seemed destined to end in a draw due to an impressive performance by veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who consistently thwarted Miami’s attempts to score.
However, victory came for Miami in the closing moments when the 34-year-old Picault was found by a precise cross from former Barcelona star Jordi Alba.
Picault soared to connect with a downward header that eluded Guzan’s desperate dive, finding the back of the net at the far post.
Previously, Atlanta established an early lead with an 11th-minute goal from Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Latte Lath.
This goal resulted when Brooks Lennon seized a deep pass from Miguel Almiron down the right, took a touch, and delivered a cross for Latte Lath, whose header looped into the goal.
Miami was quick to respond, with Messi taking advantage of Atlanta’s defensive lapses to equalize in the 20th minute.
Bartosz Silsz lost possession at the edge of the area to Messi, who capitalized by stealing the ball and deftly maneuvering past Derrick Williams before deftly lifting a finish over Guzan.
Both teams had opportunities to score in the second half, with Atlanta’s Paris-born midfielder Tristan Muyumba forcing Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo to tip a powerful long-range strike onto the crossbar.
At the other end, Guzan prevented Messi from scoring several times, notably stopping the Miami star with an outstretched leg in the 65th minute.
In other MLS matches on Sunday, Nashville SC triumphed over second-placed Philadelphia Union with a 3-1 scoreline in the Eastern Conference.
In the Western Conference, current MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy garnered their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Portland. They remain at the bottom of the standings with just one point from four games.
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