Inter Miami CF Pay Back Atlanta United FC

      Inter Miami CF got revenge on Atlanta United FC 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. It was the first time both teams faced each other since the Herons were upset in the best-of-three series in the first round of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. 

     In the first half, Atlanta United FC(1-2-1) leaped out to a 1-0 advantage during the 11th minute. Emmanuel Latte Lath put in a header from four yards out. 

     Inter Miami CF(3-0-1) quickly answered back in the 20th minute. Lionel Messi stole the ball outside of the penalty area, dribbled it in, faked a shot past one defender and chipped in a left-footed shot past the goalie from nine yards away. It turned out to Messi's first MLS goal of the year. 

     The Herons took a 2-1 lead late in the second half during the 89th minute. They crossed the ball from the left side after a corner kick. Fafa Picault placed in a header from six yards to the far post.