In a rematch of the 2024 playoffs, Miami exacted revenge on the club that knocked them out of the MLS postseason
Lionel Messi returned to the starting XI and scored for visiting Inter Miami as the defeated Atlanta United 2-1 Sunday night. In a rematch of the 2024 MLS round one series in which the stunned the and eliminated the Supporters' Shield champions, Miami came out on top.
One thing remained the same: late drama, leading to a late winner.
The hosts opened the scoring early, with MLS record signing Emmanuel Latte Lath thumping home a close-range header just 11 minutes into the match. That lead didn't last long, and it was Messi who made sure.
The Argentine brought Miami level in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Atlanta to score his first MLS goal of the season. Atlanta midfielder Bartosz Slisz sloppily gave the ball away outside the box, and after Messi found the ball, he dribbled past defender Derrick Williams to chip goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Despite numerous attacking chances that followed, it was Guzan who remained stout, with the former U.S. international – who proved to be the difference in the postseason last November – standing on his head once again for Atlanta. The 40-year-old goalkeeper made six saves, denying the on multiple occasions, and making a world-class save near the 60th minute, denying Messi from close range.
The breakthrough arrived in the 88th minute, with substitute Fafa Picault heading home off a late corner to give Miami all three points on the road. The MLS veteran and Miami native smashed home his headed attempt across the box and into the back of the net for the dramatic winner – and he was instantly swarmed by teammates to celebrate.
With the result, Miami claimed first place in the Eastern Conference, leapfrogging the Philadelphia Union. However, they still trail the Vancouver Whitecaps in the race for the Supporters' Shield, with Javier Mascherano's men sitting second in the league standings.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Goalkeeper & Defense
Rocco Rios Novo (7/10):
Thrown into the XI with Oscar Ustari suspended and Drake Callender injured. Made a great save midway through the second half, was overall a positive.
Jordi Alba (6/10):
Worked his flank really well – but the final ball was never there from him. The could have used more service from him.
Maxi Falcon (6/10):
Powerful and consistent, but caught in moments. Needs to communicate with Noah Allen more as their partnership continues to grow.
Noah Allen (6/10):
Struggled in possession at times – nearly gave Atlanta a goal early in the second half after his pocket was picked inside his own box. However, he was composed in 1v1 situations off the ball.
Gonzalo Lujan (5/10):
Miami continues to not miss Marcelo Weigandt – a testament to Lujan's rapid rise. However, Saba Lobzhanidze was too much for the Argentine to handle on his own – the Atlanta winger beat him numerous times.
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Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Veteran performance locking down the midfield when tasked. Calm, composed and controlled the tempo to a needle.
Yannick Bright (7/10):
Solid performance in the middle of the park. Progressed the ball well forward, and broke up the midfield when needed.
Telasco Segovia (5/10):
Really struggled to break down the Atlanta defense, was often lost in his attacking midfield role.
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Tadeo Allende (5/10):
Was pacey on the counter, but never made his presence truly known.
Luis Suarez (4/10):
Struggled to integrate from the opening whistle. Looked tired early on and never recovered.
Lionel Messi (8/10):
Scored the Miami opener, a menace in the attack as always. Big picture: he was reliable and an outlet for Miami in the attack, which was what they needed – and what's expected.
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Benjamin Cremaschi (6/10):
Replaced Segovia, but never really found himself on the ball. Struggled to catch up to the tempo and insert himself.
Tomas Aviles (N/A):
Subbed on in stoppage-time.
Fafa Picault (9/10):
Instant impact. He only played 11 minutes, but he made every second count, scoring the game-winner.
Federico Redondo (N/A):
Subbed on with seven minutes to spare.
Javier Mascherano (4/10):
Severe lack of structure with the team going forward. There was no attacking identity. It was find Messi and see what he can do on the ball. The fullbacks failed to drive forward with the ball, and the midfield struggled with forward progression. A late goal saved them a draw on the road, but that shouldn't overshadow how poor they were on the ball in Atlanta's half – outside of Messi.
