Inter Miami fell to an embarrassing league defeat against Atlanta United in the absence of Lionel Messi.
Messi was absent from the match, due to “muscular fatigue”, and it was the second Major League Soccer game, that the Argentine didn’t feature for the club since his arrival.
Inter Miami saw their 12-game unbeaten run squashed, despite goals from Leonardo Campana in the 25th and 53rd minute.
The Herons shot themselves into the lead, courtesy of a beautiful finish from Campana, who beat his marker with a beautiful flick, before putting the ball past Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan.
However, Tristan Muyumba, Brooks Lennon, and a Kamal Miller own goal gave the home side a 3-1 lead over their opposition.
Leonardo Campana reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute via a penalty, but Georgios Giakoumakis and Tyler Wolff scored a goal apiece to seal the victory for Atlanta United.
That victory has seen The Five Stripes rise to 6th in the MLS Eastern Conference, while Inter Miami sit amongst the basement boys in 14th.
Tata Martino’s side have picked up 28 points from 27 matches this season, 6 points better than Toronto FC.
Lionel Messi was rested for the game against Atlanta United
Lionel Messi is reportedly nursing a minor issue which made it a necessity for him to be rested, and he has been absent from recent matches, even with Argentina.
He did not play any part in La Albiceleste’s 3-0 victory over Bolivia on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, due to fatigue.
Messi has scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists in 11 appearances for Inter Miami, since he made his club debut on July 22, 2023, against Cruz Azul.
The former Barcelona forward has lit up Argentina with his show-stopping performances and brilliance.
He has also spread his tentacles outside the pitch, splashing the cash to acquire massive properties.
Inter Miami will be hoping that Lionel Messi can shake off the little knock, and return to action sooner rather than later.
They welcome bottom-place Toronto FC on Thursday, September 21, 2023, and despite being favorites for the game, a possible absence of Lionel Messi could come as a huge blow to the team.
That could hand the advantage to the away side, who defeated Inter Miami by 2-0 in the reverse fixture played on March 19, 2023.
Meanwhile, Jordi Alba also didn’t feature in the encounter due to “muscular fatigue”, a similar issue with Lionel Messi.
Alba has been impressive since joining the Miami-based club, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in 10 appearances.
Despite the scare, both players are expected to be back in their next encounter against Terry Dunfield’s side.
Anyway, 71,635 fans were in attendance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, for the encounter involving Inter Miami and Atlanta United.
Many fans turned up to see the mercurial Lionel Messi strutting his stuff for Inter Miami, but their wish didn’t come to reality on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
