Inter Miami put on a dazzling display at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on October 11, 2025, cruising to a commanding 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in a pivotal MLS regular-season matchup. The Herons, sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference before kickoff, looked determined to solidify their playoff credentials—and did so in style, with a blend of star power, tactical discipline, and attacking flair that left Atlanta reeling.
Coming into the match, Inter Miami had just thumped the New England Revolution 4-1, boasting an average of over two goals per home game. The team’s confidence was palpable, despite missing several key players due to international duty. Notably, Lionel Messi, expected to be absent for Argentina, was in the lineup, adding an extra spark to the Miami attack. Alongside Messi, the likes of Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba brought a wealth of experience and composure, helping to steer the Herons through a crucial fixture.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, entered the contest in dire straits. Fourteenth in the league and winless in their previous five outings, the Five Stripes desperately needed a turnaround. Their away form had been especially troubling, and with notable absences such as Miguel Almirón away on international duty, Atlanta’s hopes rested on the shoulders of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath and forward Jamal Thiare. The challenge was steep—and Miami made sure it stayed that way.
The opening stages saw both sides probing, but it was Inter Miami who seized control. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute, when Messi, wearing number 25, found the back of the net after an incisive setup from Rodríguez. The crowd erupted as Messi’s precision and poise gave Miami a deserved lead. Atlanta’s defense, already stretched thin by Miami’s relentless movement, struggled to contain the Herons’ fluid attack.
After the break, Miami wasted no time adding to their tally. In the 52nd minute, Jordi Alba surged forward and finished off a brilliant passage of play, assisted by Messi. The chemistry between the two former Barcelona teammates was on full display, with Alba’s overlapping runs and Messi’s vision carving open Atlanta’s back line. The stadium buzzed with excitement as Miami doubled their advantage, and the visitors looked increasingly shell-shocked.
Just ten minutes later, Luis Suárez got in on the act, notching Miami’s third goal in the 61st minute. The Uruguayan striker’s clinical finish all but sealed the outcome, with Atlanta’s hopes of a comeback slipping further out of reach. Miami’s attack, averaging over two goals per home game, was living up to its billing and then some.
As the match wore on, Miami showed no signs of letting up. In the 87th minute, Messi struck again, this time converting a precise assist from Alba to make it 4-0. The Argentine maestro’s brace capped off a scintillating individual and team performance, and the home fans were treated to a masterclass in attacking football. Messi’s contributions—two goals and an assist—were a stark reminder of his enduring brilliance, even as the season heads into its most crucial phase.
Atlanta United, for their part, struggled to mount any meaningful resistance. Despite efforts from Latte Lath and Thiare up front, the Five Stripes rarely threatened Miami’s goal. The Miami defense, marshaled by Rocco Rios Novo in goal and supported by Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Lujan, and Marcelo Weigandt, kept a clean sheet and limited Atlanta’s opportunities. Rios Novo, stepping in for the absent Oscar Ustari and William Yarbrough, handled his duties with calm assurance.
The match also stood out for its discipline—remarkably, not a single yellow card was issued by referee Tim Ford. Assistant referees Jose Da Silva, Andrew Bigelow, and Fotis Bazakos, along with fourth official Joshua Encarnacion, kept a watchful eye on proceedings, ensuring a fair and fluid contest. Both sides made strategic substitutions as the match progressed: for Miami, Fafa Picault replaced Yannick Bright in the 56th minute, Ryan Sailor came on for Tomas Aviles in the 80th, and Santiago Morales replaced Baltasar Rodriguez in the 89th. Atlanta responded with changes of their own, including Salvatore Mazzaferro for Stian Gregersen as early as the 17th minute, Cayman Togashi for Leo Afonso in the 71st, and Patrick Weah for Cooper Sanchez in the 85th.
The comprehensive victory was a testament to Miami’s depth and adaptability. Even with several players away on international duty, the Herons’ remaining stars rose to the occasion. Sergio Busquets anchored the midfield with his trademark composure, while Tadeo Allende and Baltasar Rodriguez provided energy and creativity in attack. The result not only bolstered Miami’s playoff ambitions but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: this team has the firepower and experience to contend with the best.
For Atlanta United, the defeat was another tough pill to swallow in a season already full of frustrations. Their winless streak extended to six matches, and their defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by a rampant Miami side. The absence of key players like Almirón was keenly felt, and the team will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage anything from the remainder of the campaign.
The match drew viewers from around the globe, with live streaming available on Apple TV across multiple regions. Fans in India tuned in at 5 am IST on October 12, while supporters in the UK caught the action at 12:30 am BST. North American audiences watched from 7:30 pm ET in Canada and the USA, while Brazilian fans joined at 8:30 pm local time. Coverage extended to Australia, MENA countries, and Nigeria, reflecting the worldwide appeal of both the MLS and Inter Miami’s star-studded roster.
As the final whistle blew at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami’s supporters celebrated a night to remember. The team’s emphatic 4-0 win not only strengthened their playoff push but also showcased the enduring quality of their international stars. With Messi, Suárez, and Alba leading the charge, Miami’s ambitions remain sky-high as the regular season nears its climax. For Atlanta United, the road ahead looks challenging, but the unpredictable nature of MLS means there’s always a chance for redemption—if they can find the answers soon enough.
