Miami: Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains one of soccer’s all-time greats, delivering a moment of magic to inspire Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback win against Atlanta United on Monday night. The Argentine superstar, fully recovered from a recent injury, turned back the clock with a breathtaking chipped goal that leveled the scoreline and set the stage for Miami’s third win in four matches this season.
The game started on a sour note for Inter Miami, who found themselves trailing 1-0 after Atlanta United struck in the 11th minute. However, Messi wasted no time asserting his influence. Receiving the ball outside the box, the 37-year-old intercepted a pass, dropped a defender with a deft move, and then delicately chipped the ball over Atlanta’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan. The strike, reminiscent of his iconic days at FC Barcelona, sent the crowd into a frenzy and brought the score to 1-1.
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This was only Messi’s second start of the season for Inter Miami, who have already played eight matches due to their participation in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had missed three games due to muscle fatigue but showed no signs of rust. His return to the starting lineup followed a substitute appearance in Miami’s 2-0 victory over Cavalier FC of Jamaica last Thursday.
The match remained fiercely contested in the second half, with both teams creating chances to take the lead. It was Fafa Picault, however, who emerged as the unlikely hero for Miami. In the dying minutes, the diminutive forward rose above Atlanta’s Ajani Fortune to head home a pinpoint cross from Jordi Alba. The outswinging delivery from a short corner caught Guzan off guard, nestling into the far post to secure a 2-1 victory. The goal marked Picault’s first for Inter Miami since joining from Vancouver this offseason and his sixth different MLS club.
Inter Miami’s strong start to the season sees them leading the Eastern Conference, and Messi’s resurgence will only bolster their ambitions. After Monday’s heroics, the Argentine maestro will now enjoy a well-deserved rest period to regain full fitness ahead of their next fixture. Inter Miami are set to host Philadelphia Union on March 29, with fans eagerly anticipating more magic from their talismanic captain.
For Atlanta United, the defeat highlighted their struggles to contain Miami’s attacking prowess, despite a spirited performance. As the season progresses, Messi and Inter Miami look poised to make a serious statement in the MLS.
Key Points:
Messi’s Stunning Goal: Lionel Messi scored an incredible chipped goal to level the score at 1-1 after Atlanta United took an early lead in the 11th minute, showcasing a moment reminiscent of his FC Barcelona prime.
Injury Recovery: Fully recovered from muscle fatigue that sidelined him for three games, Messi started for Inter Miami and made an immediate impact in his second start of the season.
Game-Winning Moment: Fafa Picault scored a late header in the dying minutes, securing a 2-1 win for Inter Miami with an assist from Jordi Alba’s precise cross, marking his first goal for the club.
Match Context: The victory was Inter Miami’s third in four matches, strengthening their position at the top of the Eastern Conference early in the season, despite having played eight games due to Concacaf Champions Cup commitments.
Messi’s Form: After a substitute appearance in a prior 2-0 win against Cavalier FC, Messi looked sharp, intercepting a pass and outmaneuvering a defender before scoring against Atlanta.
Next Fixture: Messi will rest and aim to regain full fitness ahead of Inter Miami’s next match against Philadelphia Union on March 29.
