Messi’s Assist Powers Miami’s Early Lead, but United Equalises Twice

Inter Miami CF entered the September 6 MLS showdown against Atlanta United FC with confidence after a 7-1 rout of CF Montréal the previous day. The confidence manifested early when Lionel Messi delivered a precise left‑wing corner that threaded through the Atlanta defense. Kessy Miro timed his run perfectly, meeting the ball with a powerful header to give Miami a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute.

Atlanta’s Miguel Almirón struck back three minutes later, restoring balance at 1-1. Miami continued to probe, and Messi’s free‑kick in the 40th minute forced a cross‑bar hit, keeping the pressure on United.

The deadlock was broken again just before halftime when Segovia surged down the left wing, laying the ball off to Luis Suarez. The forward slipped past a defender and placed a low drive into the far post for his 12th league goal, putting Miami ahead 2-1.

The visitors fought back in the second half. In the 73rd minute, Almirón earned a penalty, only to see Ryan Suter save the spot‑kick for Miami. The final twist came in the 87th minute when Atlanta was awarded a penalty of their own; Briel Embolo kept his composure and converted, ending the match in a 2-2 tie.

Miami’s inability to secure a win at home was a stark contrast to the dominant display against Montréal, where Messi, Alexander Shaw, Kessy Miro and Luis Suarez each left a mark on a historic victory.