Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 2-1, with Messi equalizing and Picault scoring late. Atlanta's early lead and Guzan's strong performance weren't enough against Inter Miami's late-game heroics.


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Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami: Messi Magic Steals the Show

Inter Miami CF snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 16th, 2025, avenging last season's playoff upset. The match was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, showcasing the talents of both teams but ultimately decided by late-game heroics from Inter Miami.

A Fast Start for Atlanta

Atlanta opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a stunning header from Emmanuel Latte Lath, assisted by Brooks Lennon – a goal that tied Lennon with Julian Gressel for the most assists in Atlanta United history (39!). Lennon's cross, following a perfectly weighted pass from Miguel Almirón, was a testament to Atlanta's attacking prowess.

Messi's Equalizer and Picault's Winner

Inter Miami responded quickly. Lionel Messi, starting his first match since February 25th, equalized in the 20th minute with a signature chip over Brad Guzan after a clever interception. The match remained tense until the 89th minute when Fafà Picault headed home the winner, assisted by Jordi Alba, securing a hard-fought victory for Inter Miami.

Guzan's Stellar Performance and Missed Opportunities

Atlanta's goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, made several crucial saves throughout the game, keeping the score close and frustrating Inter Miami's attack. However, Atlanta couldn’t capitalize on their own chances, with a few close calls and near misses. The late goal ultimately decided the contest.

Post-Match Reactions and What's Next

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi's performance, while Atlanta coach Ronny Deila highlighted the team's mistakes leading to Inter Miami's goals. Inter Miami (3-1-0) moves to the top of the Eastern Conference, while Atlanta United (1-1-2) will look to bounce back in their next match.

FAQ

Lionel Messi scored the equalizer, and Benjamin Cremaschi (Picault) scored the winning goal in the later stages of the match. It was a late comeback win for Inter Miami CF.

Atlanta United's goal was scored early in the game, but the specific scorer isn't mentioned in the provided summary. Regardless, it wasn't enough to overcome Inter Miami's late surge.

The final score was 2-1, with Inter Miami CF securing the victory after being down early in the match. Messi's equalizer set the stage for the thrilling win.

Brad Guzan, Atlanta United's goalkeeper, had a strong performance, but he was ultimately unable to prevent Inter Miami from scoring the winning goal.

Inter Miami's victory was significant due to Lionel Messi's contribution to the equalizer and the team's impressive comeback from a one-goal deficit. The late-game heroics secured a dramatic win.

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