Lionel Messi scored in his return to the starting lineup, and substitute Fafà Picault headed home a late winner as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 2-1 in a dramatic Major League Soccer (MLS) match on Sunday. The victory extends Miami’s record to 3-1-0, while Atlanta United’s winless run stretches to three games (1-1-2).
Emmanuel Latte Lath gave Atlanta an early lead in the 11th minute, heading home a Brooks Lennon cross after a superb long ball from Miguel Almirón. Latte Lath thought he had doubled the lead shortly after, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Messi, making his second regular-season appearance after missing three games due to muscle fatigue, equalized in the 20th minute. He dispossessed Atlanta midfielder Bartosz Slisz, weaved past defender Derrick Williams, and deftly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
The second half saw both teams create opportunities, but the decisive moment came in the 89th minute. Jordi Alba, after a short corner, delivered an outswinging cross to the back post. Picault outjumped Ajani Fortune and headed the ball back across goal, wrong-footing Guzan and finding the net. It was Picault’s first goal for Inter Miami since joining from Vancouver in the offseason.
Messi’s Return and Mascherano’s Praise
Messi’s return to the starting lineup, after coming off the bench in Thursday’s Champions Cup win over Cavalier FC, was highly anticipated. His goal showcased his enduring quality, and his presence provided a clear lift to the Miami attack.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano praised Messi after the game: “Well, Leo’s goal, he’s the best player in the history of this sport, there’s nothing more to say. He’s a player who has the ability to score the most beautiful [goal] you can see.” He also praised match winner, Picault. “The goal from Fafà obviously makes us very happy for him. We came from three hard weeks because he had been out. We’re very happy. He’s come to contribute his experience in this league. But he’s been humble, working as a team, knowing to use the moments when we need it. So, we are delighted with him.”
Mascherano also commented on the overall quality of MLS: “I paid a lot of attention to Inter-Miami because the reality is that, like all Argentines, we followed Inter Miami, but I wasn’t paying attention to other teams, which surprised me. There are many teams that have very good ideas that execute very well… It’s a league that I like. I like its organization. I like that everything works. I like that I have to worry about training the team and preparing for games.”
Atlanta United, despite the defeat, showed attacking threat, particularly through Latte Lath. However, they were ultimately undone by Messi’s individual brilliance and Picault’s late header. Atlanta United will play at FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Inter Miami is idle until it hosts the Philadelphia Union on March 29.
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