Messi on target as Inter Miami edge Atlanta
The victory was particularly sweet for Miami, who suffered a shock elimination to Atlanta in last season’s play-offs, one of the biggest upsets in MLS history.
Lionel Messi found the net as Inter Miami avenged last season's play-off exit to Atlanta United with a 2-1 victory, sending them to the top of Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference on Sunday.
Veteran Haiti international Fafa Picault headed home the winning goal in the 89th minute, securing a crucial win that extended Miami's unbeaten start to the season.
The victory was particularly sweet for Miami, who suffered a shock elimination to Atlanta in last season's play-offs, one of the biggest upsets in MLS history.
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In front of 42,843 fans at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the match looked destined to end in a draw after a superb goalkeeping display from veteran Brad Guzan, who kept Miami at bay for much of the game.
However, Miami snatched victory at the death when 34-year-old Picault met an inviting cross from former Barcelona star Jordi Alba. Rising high, Picault sent a downward header back across goal, beating Guzan's despairing dive to find the far corner.
Earlier, Atlanta had started brightly, taking the lead in the 11th minute through Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Latte Lath.
The goal came after Brooks Lennon latched onto a deep pass from Miguel Almirón down the right flank, controlled the ball, and delivered a cross for Latte Lath, whose looping header found the net.
Miami, however, responded swiftly. Messi capitalised on slack defending in the 20th minute to level the score. Bartosz Silsz was caught in possession on the edge of the area, allowing Messi to nick the ball off the Polish midfielder's toes before skipping past Derrick Williams and delicately dinking a finish over Guzan.
Both teams had opportunities in the second half. Atlanta's Paris-born midfielder Tristan Muyumba saw a thunderous long-range strike tipped onto the woodwork by Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.
At the other end, Guzan denied Messi on multiple occasions, including a crucial stop in the 65th minute when he stretched out a leg to block the 37-year-old's effort.
In other MLS action on Sunday, Nashville SC secured a 3-1 victory over second-placed Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, reigning MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy picked up their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at Portland. However, Galaxy remain bottom of the table with just one point from four matches.
