Lionel Messi Scores, But Inter Miami’s 10-Match Unbeaten Streak Ends with 3-1 Loss to Atlanta United
Lionel Messi scored yet another goal, marking a highlight for Inter Miami. However, their impressive 10-match unbeaten streak in Major League Soccer (MLS) came to an end with a 3-1 defeat against Atlanta United, which secured its first league win in nearly two months.
Lionel Messi Atlanta United Ends Winless Streak
Saba Lobjanidze was the star for Atlanta United, scoring once in each half. Jamal Thiaré sealed the victory with a goal in the 73rd minute, breaking Atlanta United’s nine-match winless streak in MLS play with a decisive 3-1 win on Wednesday night. Before this match, Atlanta had not won since their 3-0 victory over Chicago on March 31, accumulating a record of 0-5-4.
Key Moments and Defensive Strategies
Lobjanidze’s first goal came late in the first half, putting Atlanta United ahead. He added a second goal in the 59th minute. Despite Messi scoring his 11th goal of the MLS season, tying with Luis Suarez for the team lead, Atlanta United maintained a strong defensive stance. They positioned all 10 field players in the defensive end during the final 30 minutes to protect their lead.
Inter Miami’s Standings and Future Matches
Inter Miami (10-3-4, 34 points) remains at the top of the Eastern Conference and overall MLS standings, holding a narrow one-point lead over Cincinnati (10-3-3, 33 points). Cincinnati’s loss to Nashville on Wednesday prevented them from overtaking the top spot.
Entering Wednesday, Inter Miami had a 7-0-3 record in their last 10 MLS matches. Their overall season record stands at 10-0-4 when conceding two goals or fewer, but 0-3-0 when allowing three or more goals.
Season Outlook and Messi’s Role
Despite Wednesday’s setback, Inter Miami’s season has largely gone as planned. With 34 points at the halfway mark of the MLS schedule, they are on pace to surpass their 2023 season total of 34 points. This projection aims for 68 points by season’s end, though realistically, this might be ambitious.
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Looking ahead, Lionel Messi is expected to play some minutes when Inter Miami hosts St. Louis on Saturday. Following that, he will switch to representing Argentina in the Copa América, running from June 20 through July 14. This international duty means Messi and possibly Suarez, who might play for Uruguay, will miss several MLS matches: at Philadelphia (June 15), vs. Columbus (June 19), at Nashville (June 29), at Charlotte (July 3), and at Cincinnati (July 6). Post-Copa, Inter Miami will face Toronto (July 17) and Chicago (July 20) at home.
MLS Schedule Challenges
Unlike most leagues, MLS continues its schedule during some FIFA fixture periods, requiring clubs to release players for national team duties. This scheduling overlaps with the Paris Olympics could see Inter Miami lose additional players to national teams.
Early Game Highlights
Lionel Messi had several early opportunities, including a diving header in the fourth minute from a Jordi Alba chip, which he sent over the crossbar. In the 21st minute, Messi chipped a ball towards Robert Taylor, who was just unable to connect for a header. Messi’s goal in the 63rd minute was a classic display of his skill, threading a ball between two defenders and into the right post, just beyond the reach of Atlanta’s goalkeeper Josh Cohen.
In summary, while Lionel Messi’s goal showcased his enduring brilliance, Inter Miami’s unbeaten streak ended as Atlanta United found their winning form. As the season progresses, Inter Miami must adapt to player absences due to international commitments, striving to maintain their position at the top of the standings.
