Lionel Messi found the back of the net as Inter Miami secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Sunday, avenging last season’s playoff elimination and climbing to the top of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.
Veteran Haitian international, Fafa Picault, delivered the decisive moment in the 89th minute, rising high to meet Jordi Alba’s pinpoint cross and steering a header past Brad Guzan.
The late winner not only sealed Miami’s unbeaten start to the season but also provided redemption after last season’s shocking postseason defeat to Atlanta.
In a pulsating contest witnessed by 42,843 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, both sides battled fiercely, with veteran goalkeeper Guzan putting on a stellar display to keep Miami at bay for much of the game.
Atlanta struck first in the 11th minute, with Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Latte Lath finishing off a well-worked move. Brooks Lennon latched onto a long pass from Miguel Almirón, controlled it on the right flank, and whipped in a cross that Latte Lath expertly guided into the net with a looping header.
However, Miami responded swiftly. Messi capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 20th minute, pressing high to dispossess Bartosz Silsz at the edge of the area.
The Argentine maestro then weaved past Derrick Williams before delicately lifting the ball over Guzan for the equalizer.
Despite relentless efforts from Miami in the second half, Guzan produced a series of fine saves, including a crucial block with his outstretched leg in the 65th minute to deny Messi another goal.
Just when it seemed both teams would settle for a draw, Picault stepped up in the dying moments to nod home the winner, handing Miami all three points and extending its unbeaten streak.
Elsewhere in MLS action, Nashville SC claimed a 3-1 victory over second-placed Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, defending MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy earned their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw at Portland but remain rooted at the bottom with just one point from four matches.
