Inter Miami got off to a successful start in the MLS playoffs. Lionel Messi’s team won their opener against Atlanta 2-1.
Eight-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi won his first playoff game with Inter Miami by a narrow margin. In the 2-1 win against Atlanta United, former stars Suarez and Jordi Alba scored the goals, while Lobjanidze’s interim equalizer kept the game exciting.
Inter took the lead in less than 90 seconds
The Florida team got off to a dream start, with the home side taking the lead after less than 90 seconds. Miami intercepted a careless pass from Atlanta’s Slisz in the opposing penalty area and then combined through Jordi Alba and Diego Gomez to Suarez, who tunneled Atlanta’s keeper Guzan from seven meters with a low shot (2nd).
With the lead, Messi and Co. went on a real power play, but either the post was in the way twice or Atlanta’s goalkeeper made strong saves to prevent further big chances. The 40-year-old former USA international goalkeeper saved two dangerous shots from Messi and also kept his team in the game several times after that.
Lobjanidze seizes first Atlanta chance – Matchwinner Jordi Alba
All the more bitter for Miami that Atlanta then equalized with the first goal chance. A beautiful through ball undermined the Inter defense, which was actually well-positioned, and Lobjanidze took advantage of the opportunity with a dry left-foot shot into the far corner to make it 1-1 – keeper Callender was powerless.
After the break, the record winners of the regular season continued to push forward – Gomez once again went one-on-one with Guzan, but then Jordi Alba made his big appearance. After a quickly-taken corner by Messi, the former Barcelona player was free to shoot around 25 meters in front of the Atlanta goal and hammered the ball into the net next to the right post. This time Guzan was beaten – it turned out to be the 2-1 winning goal, because for Messi, the goal remained firmly shut this time thanks to Guzan, who thwarted two further great chances from the left-footed player.
Miami, fresh from their narrow victory in the opener, need another win to reach the Eastern Conference semi-finals in the best-of-three series against Atlanta. The second game against the team from Georgia will take place on Saturday night. The winners of that game will then face the winners of the Orlando v Charlotte FC clash.