Inter Miami won 4-0 over Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup. Lionel Messi, who appeared as a starter, scored two goals in this match.
The Inter Miami vs Atlanta United match in the second match of the Leagues Cup group phase was held at the DRV PNK Stadium, Wednesday (26/7). Messi and Sergio Busquets went down as starters in this match.
Reporting from Sofascore, Inter Miami recorded 63 percent ball possession, while Atlanta United had 37 percent.
In of opportunities, Inter Miami made 11 shots, 7 of which were on target. Meanwhile, Atlanta United made 7 opportunities with 7 on target.
In this match, Messi made his debut as a starter. The former Barcelona player was lined up as captain by Inter Miami coach, Gerardo Martino.
Trusted as a team leader, La Pulga responded with a slick performance.
Messi only needed eight minutes to open Inter Miami’s advantage. Messi who received cross then dribbled into the penalty box.
Messi fired a shot at goal. The ball hit the post, but the ball was immediately grabbed by Messi.
This goal made Messi managed to carve out a milestone. According to Opta Jack, Lionel Messi has now scored against 100 different opponents in his senior club career.
Inter Miami doubled the lead in the 22nd minute. Messi scored again against Atlanta United to bring Inter Miami 2-0 up. He scored a goal after completing a pull bait from Robert Taylor.
Inter Miami closed the first half with a 3-0 advantage. Robert Taylor scored Inter Miami’s third goal in the 44th minute with a first-time shot from the left side of the penalty box.
Taylor again listed his name on the scoreboard in the 53rd minute. This time Messi became the creator of Taylor’s goal. He led Inter Miami’s attack before tucking the ball in for Taylor to score.
After conceding, Atlanta United managed to create 1 opportunity in the 59th minute.
From outside the penalty box, Edwin Mosquera fired a shot with his right foot. The ball from Mosquera’s kick was still able to be pushed over by Drake Callender.
Entering the 71st minute, it was Inter Miami’s turn to create an opportunity.
Robert Taylor fired a shot with his left foot from inside the penalty box. Unfortunately, Taylor’s shot was pushed over by the Atlanta United goalkeeper, Brad Guzan.
Messi did not play the full game in this match. The Argentinian star was then substituted in the 78th minute.
Thanks to this victory, Inter Miami tops the standings in South 3 group with six points from two matches. Previously they won 2-1 over Cruz Azul.
