Inter Miami welcomes Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets back to the starting lineup to welcome Atlanta United. Previously, the trio of former Barca stars had a break in the 2-1 victory at Vancouver Stadium on May 26.
Lionel Messi marked his return with a classy goal in the 62nd minute, exciting the audience on the field. The Argentine superstar coordinated with his teammates to stretch the Atlanta United squad and then fired a dangerous low shot from outside the penalty area.
However, Lionel Messi’s shining moment could not save Inter Miami from losing at home. Atlanta United performed better team play and won convincingly 3-1.
Striker Saba Lobzhanidze scored twice (44′, 59) to help Atlanta United lead 2-0 before Lionel Messi shortened the gap for Inter Miami. Both of Saba Lobzhanidze’s goals came from long-range shots after quick counterattacks.
It only took the away team 10 minutes after Lionel Messi scored to extinguish Inter Miami’s hopes with Jamal Thiare’s goal. The Atlanta United striker easily cushioned the ball from close range after a clear pass from Caleb Wiley.
Statistics show Atlanta United’s effective play, when they only held the ball 38% but created 23 shots (twice as much as Inter Miami) and won 3-1.
Despite losing this match, Inter Miami has not lost the top spot in the Eastern rankings in MLS because Cincinnati lost 0-2 to Nashville.
Currently, Inter Miami has 34 points after 17 matches, but played 1 more match than Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Atlanta United is ranked 12th in the Eastern rankings in MLS with 16 points after 15 matches.
