Inter Miami clinched a 2–1 victory over Atlanta United in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs at Chase Stadium, with goals from Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba securing the win. Lionel Messi may not have scored in his first MLS playoff appearance, but the legendary player still played a pivotal role in guiding his team to victory.
The hosts got off to a thrilling start as Suárez opened the scoring just two minutes in with his first playoff goal. Diego Gómez’s pressing in the final third won the ball back, allowing him to set up Suárez, who fired Miami into the lead by slotting a shot through Brad Guzan’s legs.
Messi’s left foot almost secured a 2-0 lead just six minutes in, forcing Guzan into a full stretch to his right for a fingertip save. In the 26th minute, Messi found space and struck again, with Guzan deflecting it over the crossbar. Three minutes later, it was the post, not Guzan, that stopped Messi’s effort, and when the rebound reached Inter Miami’s Marcelo Weigandt, Guzan was there again to punch the shot away.
Just before halftime, the Five Stripes equalized through Saba Lobjanidze, who received a smart line-breaking pass from new signing Pedro Amador and slotted a low shot across the goal to make it 1-1 in South Florida. However, Miami regained the lead when Jordi Alba unleashed a stunning long-range left-footed strike, set up by Messi, which left Brad Guzan with no chance.
Late in the night, things took a grim turn for Inter Miami as Ian Fray, a South Florida native who has already endured three ACL tears, exited in the 90th minute after a noncontact injury left him unable to bear weight on his right leg. No immediate update on the severity of Fray’s injury was available.
Despite Atlanta’s late attempts, Miami held on to claim the Game One victory at home. With one more win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, they can clinch the best of 3 series and advance.
First 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs win ✅ VAMOS!! pic.twitter.com/KxJsim1FZ8
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 26, 2024
“It was a very good game but we’re not feeling as satisfied as we could because of Ian,” Martino said. “We are all a little bit sad. We’ll wait to see what injury he has.”
Earlier in the season, Miami made MLS history by setting a new Major League Soccer record for the most points in a single regular season. The Herons wrapped up the regular season with an impressive total of 74 points from 34 matches, finishing with a record of 22 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws. This achievement allowed them to surpass the previous record of 73 points held by the New England Revolution.
Read More: Lionel Messi Takes MLS to New Heights With Record Attendance and Sponsorship Figures
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
