Lionel Messi powers Inter Miami to beat Atlanta

Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi scoring, avenged their playoff exit to Atlanta United last season by winning 2-1 and moving to the top of the Eastern Conference standings in Major League Soccer.

Atlanta resumed from where they ended the previous season, shaking Miami with an 11th-minute strike from Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Latte Lath.

However, it didn't take long for Miami to find the equalizer, as Messi capitalized on some careless defending from Atlanta to level the score after 20 minutes.

With veteran Brad Guzan thwarting every attempt from Miami, an end-to-end clash in front of 42,843 spectators at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium appeared destined for a draw.

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However, Miami clinched the win at the last moment thanks to an enticing cross from ex-Barcelona player Jordi Alba that found the 34-year-old Picault.

In the 89th minute, Fafa Picault, a seasoned international player from Haiti, scored with a header to provide Miami with a valuable win that maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

The victory also served as a gratifying act of revenge for Miami, who experienced a surprising elimination by Atlanta in the previous season's playoffs, despite it being one of the most remarkable upsets in MLS history.