 "Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami beat Atlanta United. Image: Reuters")
Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the ongoing MLS regular season on his return to the playing XI in the league as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday night. Besides Messi, Fafà Picault scored the winner for Inter Miami.
Picault’s first goal this season came in his second appearance with an assist from defender Jordi Alba — his second — in the 89th minute. Messi scored the equaliser in the 20th minute after Emmanuel Latte Lath gave Atlanta the lead in the 11th minute.
It was Messi’s first goal in two starts this season in MLS. And also marked his return to playing XI after missing the last three MLS matches due to muscle fatigue. Messi made his comeback on Thursday night when he came off the bench in a 2-0 win at Cavalier FC of Jamaica in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
How Messi’s Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United
Lennon made his 200th career start and first this season and immediately had an impact in the 11th minute when he sent a crossing pass to Lath, who sent a header past former Atlanta United goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. It was Latte Lath’s third goal in his fourth career start. Miguel Almirón also had an assist — his second this season and 30th of his career. The goal ended a 195-minute scoring drought.
It was a club-record-tying 39th career assist for Lennon — equaling the mark of Julian Gressel. Lennon saw action for the first time since injuring his shoulder against Inter Miami in the playoffs last season. Atlanta United shocked the Supporters’ Shield winners by winning the rubber match 3-2 on the road in a best-of-three first-round series.
The combo nearly paid off again in the 19th minute, but Latte Lath’s goal was waived off for offsides and Messi forced a turnover and turned it into a goal a minute later to tie it.
Ríos Novo made his first start for Inter Miami (3-0-1) and had three saves. Ríos Novo made 15 starts in Atlanta last season as a rookie.
Brad Guzan saved six shots — three by Messi — for Atlanta United (1-2-1).
Atlanta United play FC Cincinnati on the road Saturday. Inter Miami are idle until they host the Philadelphia Union on March 29.
With agency inputs