Inter Miami CF triumphed over Atlanta United FC 2-1 on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking a significant victory for the team as they continue their pursuit of glory this season.
The match was tense and thrilling, drawing 42,843 fans eager to witness the latest showdown between these two competitive franchises. Miami's solid win served as sweet revenge after they were eliminated by Atlanta United last season—a shocking upset etched deeply within the team’s memory.
It was Fafà Picault who dashed Atlanta’s hopes at the very last moment, scoring the winning goal with just one minute left to play. After being expertly set up by Jordi Alba's outswinging cross from the back post, Picault muscled his way past defenders to direct the ball past goalkeeper Brad Guzan and secure the win.
Earlier, the match unfolded dramatically. Emmanuel Latte Lath gave Atlanta United the lead just 11 minutes in, soaring above the defense to meet Brooks Lennon’s cross and placing his header firmly in the back of the net.
Not ready to relent, Miami struck back swiftly. Just nine minutes later, Lionel Messi, back from recent injury woes, dazzled the crowd by equalizing. He intercepted Polish midfielder Bartosz Slisz’s possession on the edge of the penalty area and displayed his trademark finesse by weaving through defenders before delicately lifting the ball over Guzan for the equalizer—his first goal of the MLS regular season.
Despite Atlanta’s Guzan putting up valiant efforts—recording six impressive saves throughout the game—Miami’s offensive strategy proved relentless. Under the management of Javier Mascherano, the team is aiming higher this season, eager to build upon their previous heartbreak against Atlanta.
Mascherano was particularly pleased with Messi's performance post-injury. He stated, “Well, Leo's goal, he's the best player in the history of this sport, there's nothing more to say,” illustrating his reverence for Messi’s impact. The coach also expressed pride in Picault's contribution, particularly as it was his first goal for Inter Miami after transferring from Vancouver this offseason.
The late drama from Picault transformed what could have been yet another draw—thanks to Guzan’s remarkable defense—into a memorable victory for Miami. Mascherano’s reflections also highlighted the growth of the MLS, which he considers more competitive than ever. “There are many teams...who have very good ideas...who could also be in a European league,” he remarked, emphasizing the evolution of the sport within the league.
Following this triumph, Inter Miami (3-1-0) is poised to take on the Philadelphia Union on March 29, having successfully put their playoff sorrows behind them. Meanwhile, Atlanta United, who now stands at 1-1-2, will look to rebound as they face FC Cincinnati this Saturday.
This thrilling game added another chapter to the gripping rivalry between these two MLS teams and sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season.