Messi’s Stunning Goal in Vain as Atlanta United Triumphs Over Inter Miami

Atlanta United Triumphs Tops Inter Miami with Messi’s Return

Saba Lobjanidze scored twice to lead Atlanta United to a 3-1 victory over Inter Miami, marking the return of Lionel Messi, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday.

Jamal Thiare also found the net, while Tristan Muyumba, Brooks Lennon, and Caleb Wiley each provided assists. This victory allowed Atlanta United (4-7-4, 16 points) to end their nine-match winless streak (0-5-4).

Josh Cohen, standing in for the suspended Brad Guzan (red card), made four saves, securing Atlanta’s first win since their 3-0 triumph over the Chicago Fire on March 31.

Messi, who scored in the 62nd minute, returned to Miami’s lineup alongside former FC Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets after sitting out one match for rest.

Drake Callender made five saves for Inter Miami (10-3-4, 34 points), whose unbeaten run was snapped at 10 games (7-0-3). This defeat was Miami’s first since a 4-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on March 23.

In the fourth minute, Messi nearly opened the scoring with a header from the center of the box, but it sailed just over the crossbar.

Lobjanidze broke the deadlock in the 44th minute, dribbling down the middle and unleashing a shot from above the top of the box that landed in the left corner of the net.

Lobjanidze doubled the lead in the 59th minute, with a left-footed shot from outside the box that curled into the far post. This marked his fourth goal of the season.

Messi reduced the deficit three minutes later, scoring his 11th goal of the season with a shot from outside the box that beat Cohen, matching Suarez for the team lead.

Thiare restored Atlanta’s two-goal lead in the 73rd minute by deflecting Wiley’s cross into the net from close range.

Read this also –

Cyclone Remal: Tragic Deaths Amidst Storm’s Fury