MLS Roundup: Messi Shines in Miami’s Victory Against Atlanta United; Nashville Triumphs Over Philadelphia

In an exhilarating clash on Sunday, Lionel Messi (37) found the net as Inter Miami claimed a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United, successfully avenging their playoff exit from last season and moving to the summit of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference.

Veteran Haiti international Fafa Picault scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute, sealing a vital win that continued Miami’s unbeaten run in the current season.

This triumph was particularly sweet for Miami, who faced a stunning defeat to Atlanta in last year’s playoffs, which is regarded as one of the most surprising upsets in MLS history.

Before a lively crowd of 42,843 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the end-to-end contest seemed destined for a draw, largely thanks to the exceptional goalkeeping of Brad Guzan, who kept Miami at bay for much of the match.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, Miami clinched the victory at the last moment. Picault, 34, met a delightful cross from former Barcelona ace Jordi Alba and soared to meet it, directing a downward header that eluded Guzan’s desperate dive and nestled into the net at the far post.

Earlier in the match, Atlanta began strongly, jolting Miami into action with an 11th-minute goal from Emmanuel Latte Lath, the Ivory Coast international.

Latte Lath’s strike followed a clever build-up where Brooks Lennon capitalised on a deep ball from Miguel Almiron, crossing for Latte Lath, whose header looped into the back of the net.

Miami quickly responded to level the score, with Messi punishing some lax defending from Atlanta to equalise in the 20th minute.

After Bartosz Silsz was dispossessed on the edge of the box, Messi seized the opportunity, deftly stealing the ball from the Polish midfielder. He then weaved past Derrick Williams before executing a delicate finish over Guzan.

Both sides had opportunities in the second half, with Atlanta’s Tristan Muyumba firing a powerful long-range shot that was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Miami keeper Rocco Rios Novo.

At the other end, Guzan made several crucial saves from Messi, including a remarkable intervention in the 65th minute, where an outstretched leg denied the Miami star.

League Updates

In other MLS action on Sunday, Nashville SC triumphed over second-placed Philadelphia Union with a score of 3-1 in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the reigning MLS champions, Los Angeles Galaxy, managed to secure their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Portland, but remain at the bottom of the standings with just one point from four outings.