Inter Miami head into the second leg of their 2024 MLS Cup playoffs against Atlanta Utd in good form, having beaten their opponents 2-1 in the first leg behind performances from Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
However, in the return match at Mercedes-Benz Arena in the early morning of November 3, Lionel Messi's team suffered a regrettable defeat despite taking an early lead. Lionel Messi continued to play well, but could not score to help his teammates.
In the 39th minute, Inter Miami opened the scoring after a goal by center back David Martinez. From a seemingly easy kick-off, goalkeeper Guzan made a mistake, letting the ball drift to the Miami player's feet. Martinez's only job was to chip the ball into the empty net.
David Martinez opened the scoring for Inter Miami.
The visitors played better in the first half, continuously creating dangerous opportunities through Messi's feet. The Argentine superstar himself shot the ball 3 times and made 5 dangerous passes during his time on the pitch.
However, before they could double the lead, Inter Miami unexpectedly conceded a goal in the 58th minute. From a cross from the left wing, center-back Derrick Williams unexpectedly appeared and headed the ball past goalkeeper Callender. This goal came just 3 minutes after Gomez missed the ball at the opposite goal.
In the remaining minutes, Guzan played excellently to keep the net clean against the Inter Miami player. He had to go into the net to pick the ball out after Lionel Messi's header in the 93rd minute, but the Argentine striker was in an offside position.
1 minute later, Inter Miami conceded the second goal after losing the ball in the middle of the field. Xande Silva seized the opportunity, increasing the score to 2-1 with a shot from outside the box, beating Callender. In the end, Messi and his teammates lost 1-2 to Atlanta Utd.
Atlanta successfully reversed the score in the 90+2 minute.
Inter Miami is still in the running for MLS Cup after this loss. According to the rules of the tournament, the team that wins the most matches after three matches will advance to the next round. Since each team has won one match, the two teams will play the deciding match on November 10. Inter Miami has a slight advantage, playing at home.
Messi has failed to score in two consecutive matches. He still has a chance to be a hero, helping Inter Miami reach the MLS Cup quarterfinals.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/messi-tit-ngoi-inter-miami-thua-luot-ve-play-off-mls-ar905349.html
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