Messi inspires Inter Miami to victory over Atlanta, move to top spot in MLS East

Lionel Messi found the net as Inter Miami secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Sunday, avenging last season’s playoff disappointment.

The victory lifted Miami to the top of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference and extended their unbeaten start to the season.

Veteran Haitian forward Fafa Picault sealed the win in the 89th minute, heading home a precise cross from Jordi Alba to beat Atlanta’s goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

The result was particularly satisfying for Miami, who suffered a shocking playoff exit at the hands of Atlanta last season.

A thrilling contest at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, witnessed by 42,843 fans, saw Atlanta take the lead early.

In the 11th minute, Ivory Coast forward Emmanuel Latte Lath capitalized on a well-placed cross from Brooks Lennon, heading past Miami’s Rocco Rios Novo to open the scoring.

However, Miami responded just nine minutes later, with Messi taking advantage of a defensive error. Polish midfielder Bartosz Silsz lost possession near the box, allowing Messi to pounce, dribble past Derrick Williams, and delicately chip the ball over Guzan for the equalizer.

The second half saw both teams create chances. Atlanta’s Tristan Muyumba nearly restored the lead with a powerful long-range strike, but Rios Novo tipped the ball onto the woodwork.

At the other end, Guzan produced a series of impressive saves, including a crucial stop with his leg to deny Messi in the 65th minute.

Just when the match seemed destined for a draw, Picault’s late header secured all three points for Miami, leaving Atlanta stunned.

In other MLS action on Sunday, Nashville SC claimed a 3-1 win over second-placed Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, defending champions Los Angeles Galaxy finally picked up their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at Portland, though they remain bottom of the table with just one point from four games.