Lionel Messi’s first experience of the MLS play-offs was a happy one as Inter Miami ran out 2-1 winners over Atlanta United.
Messi had 20 goals in 19 MLS games this season going into the game, but it was two of the Argentine’s former Barcelona teammates, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, who grabbed the goals as the runaway Eastern Conference champions took another step towards winning the MLS Cup for the very first time.
Saba Lobzhanidze struck for Atlanta, who secured a play-off spot after beating Montreal on penalties on Tuesday.
First 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs win ✅ VAMOS!! pic.twitter.com/KxJsim1FZ8
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 26, 2024
It took just two minutes for Miami to open the scoring at Chase Stadium when Suarez toe-poked home from just outside the six-yard box to send the home fans into raptures.
Lobzhanidze then levelled for the visitors shortly before half-time when he finished well after latching on to a clever pass from Pedro Amador.
Former Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan was having an inspired evening in goal for Atlanta but the 40-year-old could do little to prevent what proved to be the winning goal.
On the hour mark, following a Miami short corner, Messi found himself with space wide on the right.
Miami’s number 10 cut inside before finding Jordi Alba a full 25 yards from goal.
The full-back opened his body before unleashing a stunning long-range strike that arrowed into the net.
LA CONEXIÓN LM🔟 🤝 JA 1️⃣8️⃣✨pic.twitter.com/m0AyA7wCk4
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 26, 2024
Speaking after the game, Miami head coach Gerardo Martino said: “It was a match where what I liked the most was the control we had on the field for almost the entire game.
“We didn’t make many mistakes that would allow the opponent to break out into space. We had five clear chances in the first half, and one of them came very close to the post.
“We were patient. I believe that if it weren’t for Brad’s [Guzan] performance, the match should have ended with a clear difference.”
The teams meet again at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 2 for the second of a possible three-game series.
Should the third game be required, it will take place at Fort Lauderdale on November 9.
