2023 MLS Regular Season: Atlanta United 5-2 Inter Miami
A Lionel Messi-less South Florida side suffered its first defeat in 13 matches across all competitions while taking a hit in the push for the playoffs
ATLANTA — Inter Miami finally suffered the first defeat of the Lionel Messi era, and it came in ugly fashion without the Argentine superstar on the field.
A Messi-less Inter Miami saw its unbeaten streak across all competitions snapped on Saturday evening after suffering a 5-2 road loss against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The South Florida side initially took the lead via a Leonardo Campana golazo, but Atlanta United overwhelmed the visitors by scoring three goals from crosses during the final 15 minutes of the first half and never looking back.
The lopsided defeat — which came without Messi and Jordi Alba playing — was Inter Miami’s first in 13 games. The result dropped La Rosanegra to 8-4-15 on the season, leaving the team in 14th place of the Eastern Conference and six points short of the final playoff position with seven games remaining in the campaign.
Inter Miami will have to regroup quickly, as Tata Martino’s men face a short turnaround prior to taking on Toronto FC at home at Drv Pnk Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday.
Inter Miami: Leonardo Campana 25’
Atlanta United: Tristan Muyumba (Brooks Lennon) 36’
Atlanta United: Kamal Miller (Own Goal) 41’
Atlanta United: Brooks Lennon (Caleb Wiley) 44’
Inter Miami: Leonardo Campana (Penalty Kick) 53’
Atlanta United: Giorgos Giakoumakis (Saba Lobjanidz) 76’
Atlanta United: Tyler Wolff (Saba Lobjanidz) 89’