Lionel Messi scores his first goal of the season as Inter Miami beats Atlanta United 2-1 in a rematch of last season’s MLS Cup.
As a substitute, Fafa Picault, found the net for Inter Miami in the 89th minute, helping the team secure a dramatic win. Messi also scored his first goal of the regular season, leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback victory over Atlanta United.
Despite Atlanta United’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, making six saves, the team could not prevent Inter Miami’s win. This match was particularly significant as Guzan played a crucial role in Atlanta’s playoff upset against Messi’s team in the previous year’s MLS Cup series.
Messi’s goal came in his second regular-season appearance for Miami, who have played eight matches already due to their involvement in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The Argentine star forward had been absent for three games due to muscle fatigue before coming on as a substitute on Thursday night in a 2-0 win over Cavalier FC of Jamaica.
Atlanta United took an early lead in the 11th minute with a goal from Emmanuel Latte Lath, who scored his 60th career goal.
Messi’s goal in the 20th minute leveled the playing field at 1-1. The decisive moment came in the last minute with Fafa Picault scoring an unexpected header that deceived Guzan, securing the win for Inter Miami.
This goal was Picault’s first for his sixth MLS club. He joined Inter Miami from Vancouver during the off-season.
Inter Miami now has three wins and one draw in the league, placing them at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference with 10 points from four matches. Meanwhile, Atlanta United’s record falls to one win, one draw, and two losses for the season.
Lionel Messi scores for Inter Miami in the MLS match against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 16, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia [Todd Kirkland/Getty Images via AFP]
Despite Atlanta United’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, making six saves, the team could not prevent Inter Miami’s win. This match was particularly significant as Guzan played a crucial role in Atlanta’s playoff upset against Messi’s team in the previous year’s MLS Cup series.
Messi’s goal came in his second regular-season appearance for Miami, who have played eight matches already due to their involvement in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The Argentine star forward had been absent for three games due to muscle fatigue before coming on as a substitute on Thursday night in a 2-0 win over Cavalier FC of Jamaica.
Atlanta United took an early lead in the 11th minute with a goal from Emmanuel Latte Lath, who scored his 60th career goal.
Messi’s goal in the 20th minute leveled the playing field at 1-1. The decisive moment came in the last minute with Fafa Picault scoring an unexpected header that deceived Guzan, securing the win for Inter Miami.
This goal was Picault’s first for his sixth MLS club. He joined Inter Miami from Vancouver during the off-season.
Inter Miami now has three wins and one draw in the league, placing them at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference with 10 points from four matches. Meanwhile, Atlanta United’s record falls to one win, one draw, and two losses for the season.
