Inter Miami Draws 2-2 with Atlanta United as Messi Sets MLS Record

Inter Miami and Atlanta United finished level at 2-2 in a Saturday night fixture at Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi supplied the opening assist to Casemiro, who headed in from a corner in the 32nd minute, and later threaded a through-ball to Luis Suárez for his 12th MLS goal. Atlanta equalized through a penalty converted by newcomer Breel Embolo, who had arrived from Stade Rennais for a reported $18 million fee. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair saved an earlier penalty attempt by Miguel Almirón, preserving Miami’s lead before Embolo’s late spot-kick. The draw left Inter Miami third in the league, 11 points behind the Supporters’ Shield leaders.

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Messi became the first player in MLS history to record 30 goal contributions (goals + assists) in three separate seasons. He entered the match with a league-leading 18 goals and 12 assists from 20 appearances, reinforcing his status as the competition’s top scorer. The assist to Casemiro pushed his season total to the 30-contribution mark.

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Inter Miami’s defensive shape was unsettled. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro was deployed at center back for the second straight game, a move that contributed to Atlanta’s first equalizer when he diverted a cross toward his own goal; St. Clair prevented the own goal but Almirón scored the rebound. Additionally, Fricio Caicedo was shifted to left back, conceding a penalty and committing five fouls. The club’s recent sale of long-time defender Noah Allen further limited positional flexibility, a factor highlighted in post-match analysis.

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Inter Miami’s interim manager Guillermo Hoyos criticized the penalty awarded to Embolo, calling it “unfair” and saying it disrupted his team’s concentration. Atlanta’s Breel Embolo, reflecting on his debut goal, noted the personal satisfaction of scoring against a side featuring Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. Former Atlanta coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino embraced Messi after the match, underscoring the personal connection between the two Argentine figures.

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• “No revenge, it’s always a pleasure to play against the greatest, [but] it’s two different games,” — Breel Embolo

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• “I'll say it again: I don't agree with the penalty call. Mistakes are human, of course, but they come at a cost to the team's situation.” — Guillermo Hoyos, miami's interim manager

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