Inter Miami Edge Atlético Nacional With Dramatic Late Winner

On a lively Saturday evening in Medellín, the football world’s gaze turned to Estadio Atanasio Girardot, where Inter Miami edged out Atlético Nacional 2-1 in a dramatic international friendly that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last whistle. The match, played on January 31, 2026, was more than just a preseason tune-up — it was a showcase of global talent, tactical experimentation, and the growing ties between North and South American soccer.

From the outset, anticipation buzzed through the packed stands. Atlético Nacional, one of Colombia’s most storied clubs, entered the fixture riding high after a 4-0 triumph over Boyacá Chicó and a string of solid domestic results. Their fans, eager to see how their team would fare against the reigning MLS Cup champions, filled the stadium with chants and color. For Inter Miami, the contest marked the second stop on their Champions Tour, following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Alianza Lima in Peru. With new signings and global superstars in tow, the Herons were determined to right the ship and build momentum ahead of the 2026 MLS season.

Both managers approached the friendly with serious intent. Inter Miami’s Javier Mascherano fielded a strong starting lineup, blending established stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul with rising talents and recent signings. Dayne St. Clair, fresh off his 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors, took his place between the posts. Notably absent was Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón, sidelined with a knee sprain. On the other side, Atlético Nacional’s Diego Arias emphasized his desire to “impose ourselves, be superior and show our football against a quality opponent,” as he told reporters pre-match. The home side’s projected lineup featured experienced names such as David Ospina in goal, with Jorman Campuzano and Juan Zapata anchoring the midfield, and Alfredo Morelos leading the line.

As the match kicked off at 5:00 PM local time, it was Atlético Nacional who seized the early initiative. The Verdolagas pressed high, controlled possession, and tested the Miami defense with quick transitions and incisive passing. Edwin Cardona and Juan Zapata orchestrated several dangerous moves, forcing Dayne St. Clair into a pair of early saves. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute: after a recovery in the opponent’s half, Juan Manuel Rengifo unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box, beating St. Clair and sending the home crowd into raptures. “It was the perfect finish to a hard-fought match,” as VAVEL described the moment, though little did they know more drama was to follow.

Inter Miami, for their part, struggled to find rhythm in the first half. Messi saw his first real effort calmly gathered by Ospina, and the Herons’ attacks often fizzled before reaching the danger zone. Atlético Nacional’s defensive organization and relentless pressing left Miami chasing shadows, and halftime arrived with the hosts deservedly ahead.

The second half brought a flurry of changes. Atlético Nacional made a near-complete lineup swap, giving valuable minutes to squad players and tactical alternatives. Mascherano responded by introducing new signings German Berterame and Brazilian defender Micael, both making their Inter Miami debuts. The adjustments injected fresh energy, and the visitors began to assert themselves in possession. Messi, ever the orchestrator, started to pull the strings with greater authority.

Miami’s persistence paid off in the 55th minute. A slick sequence saw Messi’s rebounded effort fall kindly to Luis Suárez, who made no mistake from close range. The equalizer shifted momentum, and suddenly it was the Herons dictating play. As one report put it, “Inter Miami is starting to gain confidence after the equalizer, showing more composure in possession and pushing their lines higher.”

The final half-hour was a chess match. Both teams probed for an opening, with Inter Miami creating a couple of threatening moments — including a free kick that forced a sharp save from substitute keeper Harlem Castillo. Atlético Nacional, meanwhile, sought to regain their earlier attacking verve but found Miami’s reorganized back line tough to breach. As the clock ticked toward full time, it seemed both sides might settle for a draw, with play becoming more cautious and strategic.

But football, as ever, thrives on late drama. Deep into stoppage time, Inter Miami pressed forward one last time. A cross into the box caused panic in the Nacional defense, and in the scramble, Elkin Rivero inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net. The own goal handed Miami a 2-1 lead and, moments later, a hard-earned victory. The visiting bench erupted, while the home crowd could only watch in disbelief.

“For our preparation, it’s important to face opponents who compete at a high level in South America and that will help us be better prepared for the season,” Mascherano had emphasized before the match. The test in Medellín provided exactly that — a stern examination of Miami’s evolving squad, a first look at new signings, and a confidence boost after their earlier preseason setback.

The implications of the match stretched beyond the final score. For Atlético Nacional, the friendly offered tactical insights and a chance to build team cohesion ahead of their CONMEBOL Sudamericana campaign. Arias’s side showed flashes of quality, particularly in the first half, and will look to carry those positives into competitive fixtures. For Miami, the win marked a step forward in integrating new arrivals and sharpening their competitive edge before the MLS season opener against LAFC on February 21.

The friendly also underscored the growing appeal of cross-continental club matchups. Broadcast live on WIN and OneFootball, the game drew attention from fans in the United States, Colombia, and beyond, highlighting the commercial and cultural opportunities such encounters provide. Both clubs will hope to leverage this exposure as they chase new sponsorships and expand their global brands.

Looking ahead, Inter Miami’s Champions Tour continues with a trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador, where they’ll face Barcelona SC on February 7. The Herons then meet Independiente del Valle before the regular season begins, while Atlético Nacional returns to domestic action with valuable lessons from their international test.

In the end, the night in Medellín delivered everything a friendly should: fierce competition, tactical intrigue, debut performances, and a late twist that left fans buzzing. For Inter Miami, it’s a timely confidence boost and a signal that, with their stars and fresh faces, they’re gearing up for another big year.