Lionel Messi was the star of the match as he netted two goals in Inter Miami’s emphatic 4-0 win over Atlanta United during Week 18 of the MLS. Under the guidance of coach Javier Mascherano, Miami displayed their superiority throughout the match, with Messi finding the net twice (38’ 1T and 41’ 2T). Jordi Alba (6’ 2T) and Luis Suárez (15’ 2T) also added to the scoreline, ensuring a comprehensive victory.
Inter Miami threatened early on when Luis Suárez fired a shot that struck the post just minutes before halftime.
The most valuable player of the match was undeniably Lionel Messi, who not only scored twice but also made 56 crucial passes and attempted 10 shots on goal.
Defender Jordi Alba also had a solid game, contributing not only defensively but also scoring a goal.
Mascherano set his team up in a 4-5-1 formation, with Rocco Ríos Novo in goal; Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, Gonzalo Luján, and Jordi Alba in defense; Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright, Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, and Baltasar Rodríguez in midfield; and Luis Suárez leading the attack.
On the other side, Atlanta United, coached by Ronny Deila, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Jayden Hibbert in goal; Leonardo Afonso, Juan Berrocal, Stian Gregersen, and Dominik Chong Qui in defense; Tristan Muyumba, Steven Alzate, and Cooper Sanchez in midfield; and Emmanuel Latte Lath, Jamal Thiare, and Pedro Amador upfront.
The match was officiated by referee Timothy Ford at Chase Stadium.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will face Nashville SC away in their next match, while Atlanta will host DC United.
Substitutions for Inter Miami
55’ 2T – Yannick Bright out for Fabrice Picault
79’ 2T – Tomás Avilés out for Ryan Sailor
88’ 2T – Baltasar Rodríguez out for Santiago Morales
Substitutions for Atlanta United
16’ 1T – Stian Gregersen out for Salvatore Mazzaferro
69’ 2T – Leonardo Afonso out for Cayman Togashi
84’ 2T – Cooper Sanchez out for Patrick Weah