Inter Miami CF (3W-0L-1D, 10 points) continued its strong start to the 2025 MLS season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday evening. A late goal from forward Fafa Picault sealed the win, extending Inter Miami’s unbeaten run across all competitions to eight matches and propelling the club to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Atlanta United wasted no time in applying pressure, and their aggressive start paid off in the 11th minute when Emmanuel Latte Lath broke the deadlock. The forward capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the home side ahead early.
However, Inter Miami responded swiftly through their talisman, Lionel Messi, who was later named Royal Caribbean Icon of the Match. In the 20th minute, Miami’s high press forced a turnover just outside Atlanta’s box, and Messi seized the opportunity. The Argentine maestro dribbled past a defender and chipped the ball delicately over the goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal marked Messi’s first of the 2025 MLS regular season.
The remainder of the first half saw both teams push for control, but neither could break the deadlock before halftime.
The second half was a thrilling contest, with both teams creating several attacking opportunities. Atlanta nearly retook the lead in the 58th and 59th minutes, but Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo produced two outstanding saves. He first denied Saba Lobjanidze’s effort from the left side of the box before making a flying save to tip a long-range strike from Tristan Muyumba over the bar.
As the match approached its final moments, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino made two crucial substitutions in the 83rd minute, bringing on Picault for Nicolás Allende and Federico Redondo for Lawson Bright in search of a winner.
The move paid off just minutes later. In the 89th minute, Picault, returning from an injury suffered in the season opener, rose high in the box to meet a precise cross from Jordi Alba following a corner kick. His powerful header found the back of the net, securing a dramatic late victory for Inter Miami. The goal was Picault’s first for the club, while Alba recorded his second assist of the season.
With the 2-1 victory, Inter Miami extended its unbeaten start in the 2025 MLS regular season to four matches and remained unbeaten in eight straight games across all competitions. The result also saw them climb to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Inter Miami will now enjoy a bye week before resuming MLS action at home against the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium on March 29.
