Inter Miami and Atlanta United facing each other brings out the best of each team, and Sunday was no different with Lionel Messi and Brad Guzan dueling in a 2-1 Miami victory in Atlanta. Fafa Picault made his return to the XI with a game-winning goal while Messi also scored his first league goal for Inter Miami this season with an impressive defensive play and chip.
After missing Miami’s last two league matches due to load management, Messi looked like he missed no time at all putting five of his seven shots on target and keeping Guzan on his toes all match, but his opening goal was one to remember.
The Argentine has registered a goal involvement in every game that he has played so far this season with four goals and two assists in all competitions, but this goal wasn’t a prototypical goal due to how it was created. Messi closed down Atlanta United midfielder Bartoz Slisz with defensive pressure, winning the ball, beating a defender and then chipping Brad Guzan for the finish when he came out of his net.
That goal leveled the match for Inter Miami after Emmanuel Latte Lath’s powerful header to open the scoring for Atlanta United, but it’s far from a prototypical Messi goal. With everything that Messi does, defense isn’t among the top things that he’s known for but recognizing the situation, he acted quickly to turn a chance into a quick goal for the Herons.
It’s a response that shows that this match may mean a little more after the history that these teams are building, and Picault’s winning goal from an impossible angle adds to an emerging rivalry. His return also improves Miami’s depth with games piling up while they advance in Concacaf Champions Cup play.
Atlanta were close to playing one of their most complete games of the season with the return of Brooks Lennon adding a much needed balance to the team, but it’s clear that the Five Stripes are a work in progress. By the end of the season, their midfield may be able to control games, but they aren’t where Miami are yet. Meanwhile, the unbeaten run for the Herons continues with no sign of slowing down.