In an intense showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami, but his presence wasn’t enough to secure a win as Atlanta United forced a dramatic 2-2 draw on Wednesday night. Messi, who had been recovering from a right ankle injury, came on as a substitute in the 61st minute to the delight of fans, but despite his influence, Inter Miami couldn’t hold on to their lead.
Messi’s Return Brings Drama, But No Victory
The anticipation for Messi’s return was palpable, and the Argentine legend did not disappoint. Entering in the second half, Messi immediately made his mark on the game, directing traffic on the pitch and nearly providing the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute. However, Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan pulled off a critical save to deny Messi’s strike. Luis Suarez, who was quick to follow up on the rebound, also had his shot blocked, keeping the score tied at 2-2.
Just one minute later, in the 84th minute, Atlanta United found the equalizer through Aleksei Miranchuk. The Russian midfielder unleashed a beautifully struck left-footed shot, beating Inter Miami’s goalkeeper and securing the draw for Atlanta in front of a roaring home crowd.
Inter Miami Takes Early Control
Inter Miami had started the game strong, with David Ruiz putting the team ahead in the 29th minute. Ruiz capitalized on a well-constructed play to fire the ball into the net, giving Miami the early edge. Shortly after, in the 58th minute, Leo Campana added a second goal for Miami, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 30 goals, surpassing Gonzalo Higuaín.
At this point, it seemed as though Miami would cruise to a victory. However, just two minutes later, Atlanta’s Saba Lobzhanidze responded, slotting home a goal in the 56th minute, which tightened the scoreline to 2-1. With momentum shifting in Atlanta’s favor, the stage was set for Messi’s dramatic entrance.
Messi’s Impact and Missed Chances
When Messi entered the match in the 61st minute, it was his first appearance since recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa América final on July 14. Despite coming off the bench, Messi looked sharp, frequently dribbling through defenders and creating multiple scoring opportunities for his teammates. In the 83rd minute, he had a prime opportunity to secure the win for Miami but was thwarted by Guzan’s reflexes.
Messi’s return marked his second game back from injury, after playing 90 minutes in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union last weekend, where he scored twice and assisted on another goal. However, with Miami in the midst of a grueling week, head coach Tata Martino opted to limit Messi’s minutes, allowing him to remain fresh for their upcoming match against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.
Post-Match Reactions
Inter Miami assistant coach Javi Morales expressed his thoughts on the game and Messi’s performance, stating: “Leo always brings energy and positivity to the team. Today was no different. He played almost 30 minutes and had a great chance to score. His presence always impacts the game, but unfortunately, we couldn’t close it out tonight.”
Morales also emphasized the importance of managing Messi’s workload. “With three games this week, we had to be cautious. It’s been a long season, and Leo is coming off an injury. We want him fit and ready for the next challenge,” he added.
Inter Miami remains firmly at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with 63 points, despite the draw. Their commanding position in the MLS Supporters’ Shield race remains intact, though second-place LA Galaxy has been closing the gap, sitting just four points behind.
Tactical Decisions and Missed Opportunities
Despite Messi’s influence and Campana’s historic goal, Inter Miami missed several chances that could have secured the win. Both Messi and Suarez came close to adding a third goal, and Guzan’s heroics in goal kept Atlanta in the game. Inter Miami’s inability to finish key opportunities in the final minutes was a key factor in allowing Atlanta United to salvage a point.
Tactically, Inter Miami had to cope with the absence of key figures. Head coach Tata Martino was suspended due to yellow card accumulation, as were midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Tomas Aviles. This forced assistant coach Javi Morales to step in and make critical in-game decisions.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, capitalized on their opportunities. Miranchuk’s equalizer in the 84th minute was a moment of individual brilliance, sealing the draw and preventing Miami from walking away with all three points.
Messi’s Fitness and Future Matches
Wednesday’s game was Messi’s second match since returning from the ankle injury he sustained in July. After playing the full 90 minutes against Philadelphia, Messi’s minutes were carefully managed to ensure his availability for the busy week ahead. Messi’s return is a boost for Inter Miami, especially as they prepare for a critical away match against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.
Messi’s impact on the MLS has been undeniable since his arrival. In 14 MLS matches for Inter Miami, Messi has contributed 14 goals and 10 assists, an incredible tally that has elevated the team’s performance. While his presence on the field is always felt, Messi’s role in Wednesday’s game was to inject creativity and energy late in the match, although the final result was not what Miami had hoped for.
Atlanta United’s Resilience
For Atlanta United, the draw represents a hard-fought result in front of their home crowd. Miranchuk’s late goal was a reward for their perseverance throughout the match. Atlanta, currently fighting to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference, demonstrated resilience against one of the league’s top teams, even when trailing twice.
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan was a standout performer for Atlanta, making crucial saves to deny Messi and Suarez late in the game. His leadership at the back played a significant role in keeping Inter Miami from walking away with all three points.
Looking Ahead
Inter Miami will now turn their attention to their next fixture against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. With Messi back in the squad, Miami will aim to maintain their lead in the MLS Supporters’ Shield race and continue their push for another title.
Messi’s influence on Inter Miami has been transformative, and as the club navigates a busy schedule, fans and opponents alike will be eagerly watching to see how the Argentine maestro shapes the remainder of the season.
For Atlanta United, the draw offers momentum as they continue to fight for a playoff spot. With their own challenges ahead, the club will look to build on this result and finish the season strong.
As Messi’s return continues to captivate the football world, the MLS remains a stage where thrilling moments and dramatic finishes are becoming the norm—especially when the Argentine legend is involved.