Messi Scores, But Inter Miami’s Unbeaten Run Ends Against Atlanta United
Atlanta United Ends Winless Streak with Victory Over Inter Miami
Lionel Messi scored yet again, but it was the lone highlight for Inter Miami CF as their 10-match Major League Soccer (MLS) unbeaten run was brought to an end by Atlanta United. Atlanta secured their first league win in nearly two months with a 3-1 victory on Wednesday night.
Key Players and Goals
Saba Lobjanidze was the star for Atlanta United, scoring once in each half. Jamal Thiare helped secure the win with a goal in the 73rd minute. This victory snapped a nine-match MLS winless streak for Atlanta, which had gone 0-5-4 since their last win against Chicago on March 31.
Match Highlights
Atlanta never trailed in the match. Lobjanidze's goal late in the first half gave Atlanta the lead, and he added a second in the 59th minute. Despite Messi’s goal in the 63rd minute, which tied him with Luis Suárez for the team lead with 11 goals this season, Atlanta maintained strong defensive play. They kept all 10 field players in the defensive end whenever Inter Miami had deep possession in the final 30 minutes.
Manager's Reaction
Inter Miami’s manager, Gerardo Martino, acknowledged Atlanta's superior urgency and performance. “Atlanta United played with more urgency, and we needed more,” Martino said. “It was a night where the team receded, whereas in other games we find positive moments in the challenges.”
Impact on MLS Standings
Despite the loss, Inter Miami (10-3-4, 34 points) remains at the top of the Eastern Conference and overall MLS standings, holding a one-point lead over Cincinnati (10-3-3, 33 points), who also lost to Nashville on Wednesday. Inter Miami entered the match with a 7-0-3 record in their past 10 MLS matches and is 10-0-4 when allowing two goals or fewer this season. They are 0-3-0 when conceding three goals or more.
First Half of the Season Review
With 34 points through half of the MLS schedule, Inter Miami has already matched their total from the entire 2023 season. Lionel Messi’s presence has been transformative, but the team must navigate upcoming challenges, including Messi’s temporary absence for international duty.
Looking Ahead
Messi is expected to play when Inter Miami hosts St. Louis on Saturday. Following this match, he will join the Argentina national team for Copa América, potentially missing several MLS matches during the tournament. This includes games against Philadelphia, Columbus, Nashville, Charlotte, and Cincinnati.
Match Highlights
Messi had several early opportunities, including a diving header and a chip toward the left post that narrowly missed. His goal in the 63rd minute was a typical Messi masterpiece, threading the ball between two defenders and just inside the right post, out of reach of Atlanta’s goalie Josh Cohen.
Manager's Tactical Insights
Martino noted the need for alternatives in attack. “For me, it was a game where we had to find alternatives to attack. We are a team that needs the ball to attack and win,” he said. Despite this, Atlanta’s defensive strategy proved effective.
