Messi scores spectacular goal: Inter Miami beat Atlanta United to top MLS standings

Messi 's spectacular goal came in the 20th minute, after a solo performance to steal the ball from an Atlanta United player just outside the penalty area. The Argentine then turned the ball with class, eliminating another defender, before making a delicate chip past goalkeeper Brad Guzan to score.

Messi made a great lob to beat goalkeeper Brad Guzan to score

Photo: Reuters

This stunning goal by Messi left more than 42,500 spectators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in awe. This was Messi's second goal in just two recent matches since his return to Inter Miami. This has helped the 37-year-old star now have 4 goals and 2 assists, after just 5 matches for Inter Miami since the start of the 2025 season. This is also the 854th goal of Messi's career.

Before that, Messi had to sit out 3 matches due to overload and muscle fatigue. He only returned to play for about 35 minutes in the second half of the win over Cavalier Club, contributing 1 goal to seal the 2-0 win (4-0 on aggregate), in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16.

The match against Atlanta United was the first time in recent matches that the Argentine legend returned to the starting lineup to play alongside his close friend Suarez in attack.

Last season, Atlanta United eliminated Inter Miami in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. This season, they continued to strengthen their strength with Premier League star Miguel Almiron, bought from Newcastle for more than $12 million.

Messi has now scored 4 goals and had 2 assists, after only 5 matches for Inter Miami since the start of the 2025 season.

Photo: Reuters

Atlanta United soon proved their strength with the opening goal 1-0 by striker Emmanuel Latte Lath in the 11th minute. However, Inter Miami with the return of Messi completely changed the situation with a beautiful equalizer 1-1 in the 20th minute.

In the second half, coach Mascherano's team maintained a solid playing style, allowing substitute striker Fafa Picault to score the winning goal for Inter Miami in the 89th minute, 2-1, from an assist by Jordi Alba.

A spectacular away win helped Inter Miami sweetly take revenge on their long-time rivals Atlanta United. With that, they also managed to climb to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings (American professional soccer league) with 10 points after 4 matches, officially surpassing their rival Philadelphia Union (9 points). Atlanta United, despite having significantly strengthened their squad, is currently ranked 12th with only 4 points after 4 matches.

After the match against Atlanta United, Messi returned to the Argentina national team to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America against Uruguay (March 22) and rival Brazil (March 26).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-ghi-ban-ngoan-muc-inter-miami-danh-bai-atlanta-united-len-dinh-bang-xep-hang-mls-185250317083202697.htm