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Inter Miami Earns First-Ever Playoff Victory Over Atlanta United Behind Messi’s Vision

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credit: Inter Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. —Inter Miami clinched its first-ever playoff victory, defeating Atlanta United 2-1 on Friday night. The match saw Lionel Messi make his MLS postseason debut, ultimately impacting the game not with goals but with his playmaking prowess.

It didn’t take long for Inter Miami to break through. Just a minute into the game, veteran striker Luis Suárez, Messi’s longtime friend and former Barcelona teammate, opened the scoring with a precise finish. Inter Miami seemed poised to dominate, but Atlanta’s Brad Guzan kept his team in the game with eight critical saves, repeatedly denying Messi’s shots.

Atlanta rallied in the 39th minute when Saba Lobzhanidze slipped past Miami’s defense and leveled the score, beating Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender. The goal jolted Atlanta back into the match, sending the teams into halftime with all to play for.

The turning point came in the 60th minute. Messi, with his trademark vision, found an opening in Atlanta’s defense and delivered a pinpoint pass to Jordi Alba. The former Barcelona fullback fired a long-range strike into the net, securing the 2-1 lead and ultimately the victory. Alba’s decisive goal drew high praise from Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who highlighted Alba’s rare ability to impact the game offensively from his wide defensive position.

The win brings Inter Miami a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three playoff series, with Game 2 scheduled for November 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Despite their position, Miami is prepared for a fierce battle, aware of Atlanta’s capability to turn the tide on home turf.

The night ended on a bittersweet note for Miami fans, as defender Ian Fray left the field in the 90th minute with an apparent leg injury. Fray’s history of ACL tears brought an air of concern to the victory, and Martino expressed his sadness over the incident, noting the team’s collective worry for Fray’s well-being.

Inter Miami is just one victory away from advancing in the MLS playoffs, and fans are eager to see if Messi and his teammates can deliver another historic performance on November 2.

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