### Messi's Dramatic Return: Inter Miami Triumphs Over Atlanta United On March 17, 2025, Lionel Messi made a significant impact in his return to the starting lineup for Inter Miami CF, scoring his first goal of the MLS regular season in a thrilling 2-1 victory against Atlanta United FC. The match, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, saw Messi equalize in the 20th minute after Atlanta's Emmanuel Latte Lath opened the scoring early. Fafà Picault, who came on as a substitute, clinched the win with a goal in the 89th minute, propelling Inter Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. This match not only marked a comeback for Messi but also avenged last season's playoff exit against Atlanta, showcasing Miami's resilience and determination this season. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Events 1. **Match Overview** - Inter Miami faced Atlanta United in a crucial MLS match. - The game ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of Inter Miami. - Messi scored his first goal of the 2025 MLS season, contributing significantly to the team's performance. 2. **Key Players** - **Lionel Messi**: Scored the equalizer in the 20th minute, showcasing his skill by stealing the ball and executing a chip shot over the goalkeeper [https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/Soccer/2025/03/17/Lionel-Messi-first-MLS-goal-2025-Inter-Miami/5001742217116]. - **Fafà Picault**: Came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 89th minute, assisted by Jordi Alba [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3309893-thrilling-victory-messi-and-picault-lead-inter-miami-to-crucial-win]. 3. **Match Dynamics** - Atlanta United took an early lead with a goal from Emmanuel Latte Lath in the 11th minute [https://www.wfla.com/sports/sports-illustrated/97d90f7b/inter-miami-2-1-atlanta-united-player-ratings-as-messi-picault-put-miami-atop-eastern-conference]. - Inter Miami responded quickly, with Messi's goal leveling the score shortly after. - The match was characterized by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. 4. **Significance of the Victory** - This win marked Inter Miami's best start to a season in the club's history, with three wins out of four matches [https://www.latestly.com/socially/sports/football/atlanta-united-1-2-inter-miami-mls-2025-lionel-messi-shines-as-herons-register-comeback-victory-move-to-top-spot-in-eastern-conference-standings-6713969.html]. - The victory allowed Inter Miami to climb to the top of the Eastern Conference, demonstrating their strong performance early in the season [https://www.si.com/soccer/inter-miami-2-1-atlanta-united-player-ratings-mls-3-16-25]. ### Summary of Findings - **Key Takeaways**: - **Lionel Messi's Impact**: His return to the starting lineup and subsequent goal were pivotal in securing the win for Inter Miami, highlighting his enduring talent and influence on the field. - **Team Performance**: Inter Miami's ability to rally from an early deficit and secure a late victory underscores their competitive spirit and strategic depth. - **Season Outlook**: With this victory, Inter Miami positions itself as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season. 1. Messi scored his first goal of the 2025 MLS season, contributing to a comeback victory. 2. Fafà Picault's late goal secured the win, showcasing the team's depth. 3. The match avenged last season's playoff exit against Atlanta, enhancing team morale. 4. Inter Miami's strong start positions them favorably in the league standings. This match not only highlights Messi's return but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead for Inter Miami CF [https://www.si.com/soccer/lionel-messi-scores-first-mls-goal-of-2025].