Inter Miami Triumphs in Lionel Messi’s Playoff Debut Against Atlanta United

Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Friday night, marking Lionel Messi’s debut in the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs. The match, held at Chase Stadium, showcased the impressive synergy between Messi and his former Barcelona teammates, as Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba netted the crucial goals for Miami.

Suárez set the tone early, scoring in the second minute, which gave Miami an immediate advantage. Despite this early lead, Atlanta United managed to equalize in the 39th minute with a goal from Saba Lobzhanidze. However, it was Alba’s stunning long-range strike in the 60th minute that ultimately decided the match. Messi played a pivotal role, providing the assist for Alba’s goal, highlighting his continued impact on the field.

The victory places Inter Miami in a favorable position, leading the best-of-three first-round series of the MLS playoffs. The next match is scheduled for November 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo Martino, praised Alba’s contributions after the game. He remarked on the rarity of having a fullback who is both technically skilled and influential in the offensive play. “It’s not easy to find fullbacks who are so decisive,” Martino said. He drew comparisons to legendary defenders like Dani Alves and Roberto Carlos, noting how Alba excels when understanding the movements of Messi and Suárez on the pitch.

While Messi did not score himself, he was heavily involved throughout the match, consistently creating opportunities and applying pressure on Atlanta’s defense. The 37-year-old Argentine international drew several crucial saves from Atlanta’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, and came close to scoring, hitting the post in the first half.

Alba’s goal was significant, marking his fifth of the season, while Messi’s assist was his 17th of the year. This victory serves as an encouraging start for Miami in the playoffs, particularly given the weight of expectations on the team. With a roster filled with experienced talent and finishing the regular season as the top seed, Miami is considered a strong contender for the championship.

Martino emphasized the team’s overall control during the match, saying, “What I liked the most was the control we had on the field for almost the entire game.” He noted that the team limited mistakes that could have allowed Atlanta to exploit gaps in defense. Miami generated five clear chances in the first half alone, with one nearly resulting in another goal had it not been for Guzan’s performance.

Atlanta United advanced to this stage of the playoffs after a tense wild card round against Montreal, which they won on penalties. The team came into this matchup with a sense of urgency, but Miami’s early scoring and tactical execution proved too much to overcome.

As the playoffs progress, all eyes will remain on Messi and his impact on the field. With Miami’s strong start, fans are eager to see how the team will build on this momentum in the upcoming matches. The blend of veteran prowess and strategic play has positioned Inter Miami as a formidable force in the quest for MLS glory. The upcoming game in Atlanta will be crucial as they aim to secure their place in the next round of the playoffs.