By Inter Miami kicked off their MLS playoff campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Friday, marking Lionel Messi’s postseason debut in the league.
Former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba provided the goals for Miami, with Suárez opening the scoring in the second minute and Alba sealing the win with a stunning 25-yard strike on the hour mark. Messi himself played a crucial role, assisting Alba’s decisive goal.
Saba Lobzhanidze had briefly leveled the score for Atlanta in the 39th minute, but Alba’s long-range effort ensured Miami took a one-game lead in the best-of-three first round series. Game 2 is set to take place on November 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Miami head coach Gerardo Martino praised Alba’s impact on the team, comparing him to legendary fullbacks like Dani Alves, Cafu, Marcelo, and Roberto Carlos. “Technically, he has a quality that is very rare in a wide defender, and is better when he understands where Luis and Leo are and can find them,” Martino said.
Although Messi didn’t find the back of the net, the Argentine star was heavily involved throughout the match, drawing numerous saves from Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan and even striking the post in the first half. His assist for Alba’s goal was his 17th of the season.
The victory was a strong start to the postseason for Miami, who entered the playoffs as the No. 1 overall seed after a successful regular season in which they lost just four times and amassed a league-leading 74 points.
Martino expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their control of the game and the numerous chances they created. “We were patient. I believe that if it weren’t for Brad (Guzan)’s performance, the match should have ended with a clear difference,” he said.
Atlanta had reached this stage of the MLS playoffs after defeating Montreal on penalties in the wild card round. The pressure is now on the Georgia-based team to turn the series around in front of their home fans in the upcoming second leg.
