Inter Miami and Atlanta United opposite each other, brings out the best of each team, and Sunday was no different with Lionel Messi and Brad Guzan who duel in a 2-1 victory in Miami in Atlanta. Fafa Picault returned to the XI with a game-winning goal, while this season Messi also scored his first competition goal for Inter Miami with an impressive defensive game and chip.
After missing the last two league games of Miami as a result of load management, Messi looked like he didn’t miss time and had put five of his seven shots on goal and Guzan had held all the match on his toes, but his opening goal was one to remember.
The Argentin has registered a goal involvement in every match he has played this season with four goals and two assists in all competitions, but this goal was not a prototypical goal because of how it was made. Messi closed Atlanta United -midfielder Bartoz Slisz with defensive edition, won the ball, beat a defender and then hit Brad Guzan in front of the finish when he came out of his net.
That goal brought the game to Inter Miami after the powerful header of Emmanuel Latte Lath to open the score for Atlanta United, but it is far from a prototypical Messi goal. With everything that Messi does, defense is not the best things he is known for, but recognizes the situation, he quickly acted to have a chance in a quick goal for the herons.
It is a reaction that shows that this competition can mean a little more after the history that these teams build, and the winning goal of Picault from an impossible perspective contributes to an emerging rivalry. His return also improves the depth of Miami with the accumulation of games while continuing in Concacaf Champions Cup Play.
Atlanta was close to playing one of their most complete matches of the season with the return of Brooks Lennon who adds a much needed balance to the team, but it is clear that the five stripes are a work in progress. Towards the end of the season, their midfield can control games, but they are not yet where Miami are. In the meantime, the unbeaten run for the herons continues without signs of delay.