Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United in their first playoff match of the Major League Soccer season. Despite facing multiple challenges in front of goal, Messi’s pivotal assist proved crucial in securing the win.
In the 60th minute, Messi delivered a precise pass to Jordi Alba, who converted it into the go-ahead goal. Luis Suarez also found the net, contributing to Inter Miami’s success in the opening game of a best-of-three playoff series.
This match was a challenging start for the Supporters Shield winners, who finished the regular season with a league-record 74 points, significantly ahead of the wild-card Atlanta United.
Saba Lobjanidze scored for Atlanta, while goalkeeper Brad Guzan made nine saves, keeping his team in the game. The next matchup is scheduled for November 2 in Atlanta, marking Inter Miami’s final away game of the season, with a potential Game 3 on November 9 in Fort Lauderdale.
Messi’s playoff debut and Inter Miami’s inaugural home playoff game attracted a sold-out crowd. The excitement was palpable, as MLS even dedicated a camera to follow Messi throughout the match, streaming it live on TikTok. Plans to showcase the game on a massive screen in New York’s Times Square were ultimately canceled, but it highlighted the star’s global appeal.
Atlanta United had previously been the only team to defeat Inter Miami with Messi on the field this season, adding an extra layer of tension to the match. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and MLS MVP finalist, acknowledged the unpredictability of playoff games, stating, “It gets settled on the field. Anything can happen in a match.”
For the first hour, the scoreboard reflected a tight contest. Suarez opened the scoring just one minute into the game, while Messi created multiple opportunities to extend the lead.
Messi’s left foot nearly doubled the score early on, but Guzan’s quick reflexes kept the shot out. In the 26th minute, Guzan again denied Messi, this time deflecting a shot over the crossbar. A few minutes later, the post thwarted another attempt, with a follow-up shot from Marcelo Weigandt also saved by Guzan.
Had it not been for Guzan’s heroics, the score could have been much higher at halftime. Instead, the teams went into the break tied at 1-1 after Lobjanidze found the net in the 39th minute, leveling the match.
In the second half, Messi’s free kick from 25 yards almost gave Inter Miami the lead again, but it curled just wide of the post. The breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute, leading to a jubilant celebration with Alba lifting Messi in the air.
However, the night took a concerning turn for Inter Miami when Ian Fray, a local player who has faced multiple ACL injuries, left the field in the 90th minute due to a non-contact injury. The severity of his condition remains uncertain.
