Atlanta United 2-1 Inter Miami: summary, score, goals, highlights | MLS Cup Playoffs
Atlanta United - Inter Miami: As it happened.
Atlanta United take Inter Miami into Game Three.
There was a crowd of around 70,000 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the crucial second match of this best-of-three series and they were treated to a dramatic late winner. Atlanta United weathered an early storm and grew into the game, forcing a number of good opportunities.
It was Xande Silva who found the crucial winner, firing the ball past Drake Callender in the dying seconds of the game.
Home crowd revels in crucial playoff win.
Here's the scenes inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Atlanta United, who snuck into the post-season via the Wild Card route, levelled the Round One series against Inter Miami.
Incredible atmosphere from the Atlanta support, mirroring a courageous performance from their side.
Atlanta United grab Game Two with late winner.
Without doubt, Atlanta United are the story of the night in MLS after a stunning come-from-behind victory over Supporters' Shield winners Inter Miami. They were made to dig deep for it, but a stunning late striker from Xande Silva keeps their 2024 season alive.
FULLTIME: Atlanta United 2-1 Inter Miami.
The hosts have it! Atlanta United strike late to level the best-of-three series in front of a packed home crowd.
We're heading back to Miami for Game Three!
We're now beyond the five minutes of added time indicated. There will be a little more to be played after the offside goal and Silva stunner, but how much?
Incredible noise inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the home side celebrates that late, late goal! Is there time for one last chance for Inter Miami?
GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL! Xande SIlva
A brilliant breakaway goal from Atlanta, finished with a stunning finsih from Xande Silva from the edge of the box. Drake Callender stood no chance!
Atlanta United's season is alive!
Is there anything more to come from this game?!?
Lionel Messi goal called for offside!
The Inter Miami captain has the ball in the back of the net but the flag is up. Messi strayed offside before nodding a lofted ball past Guzan.
Saba Lobjanidze is out on his feet but he's still demanding the ball, looking to generate one last chance for his team. It's been an inspiring performance from the Atlanta forward.
We're going to have five minutes of added time, before we head to a penalty shootout!
Atlanta hit the crossbar!
The corner kick bounces to Lobjanidze, who twists brilliantly and fires vicious volley towards the top corner. Drake Callender does brilliantly to tip the ball onto the crossbar and save his team!
Great drama now as Atlanta break upfield, finding Lobjandze on the right. He twists and turns, looking for a route into the box, but his path is blocked and he is forced to settle for a corner kick.
Inter Miami are starting to turn the screw now, pushing to win the game before penalties. Atlanta are standing tall for now, but they've definitely been pushed back into their defensive third.
Double change for the Herons. Leonardo Campana and Matias Rojas come on, replacing Diego Gomez and Noah Allen.
Lionel Messi skies his shot from close range!
The Inter Miami captain pounces on a loose ball in the box and fires towards the top corner. He left-footed shot is high and wild.
Luis Suarez and Benjamin Cremaschi combine well to send the youngster into space on the right of the box. He delays the return pass and sees the ball cleared by Atlanta, prompting a furious response from the Uruguayan.
Chance for Lionel Messi to look up and he drifts towards goal, trying to make space for a shot. He dummies past a brace of defenders but can't beat the third, eventually losing possession.
Slisz tries a long ball over the top for Rios but it's overhit and bounces safely through to Drake Callender.
Ten minutes remaining.
Inter Miami starting to control possession again but they are still struggling to work and good openings.
Messi has been peripheral for the Supporters' Shield champions.
As we approach the final ten minutes of normal time, penalties are looking increasingly likely here.
Remember, any Round One game that ends level after the 90 minutes will be decided by penalty shootout. For Atlanta, their season could depend on those spot kicks.
Brilliant turn from Jamal Thiare, surging in behind the Inter Miami defence.
It looks like he's away but Noah Allen does brilliantly to catch up and make a clean tackle to halt the attack.
Good defending from Amador again, blocking a cross from Weigandt on the flank.
Inter Miami have struggled to build a sustained spell of pressure tonight.
Martinez is bandaged up and looks like he will be fine to continue. Good news for the Herons, who have suffered countless defensive injuries this season.
David Martinez
Concern here for Inter Miami as the defender goes down, seemingly bleeding from a cut on his head. He's sitting up, receiving medical treatment.
So close to another Miami goal. A Messi corner is nearly deflected into his own net by Jamal Thiare, before Messi pounces on a loose ball but drags it just wide of the target.
Miami starting to rally now.
Big stop from Guzan denies Luis Suarez!
Out of nothing, Lionel Messi clips a ball into the Atlanta box and it bounces to Luis Suarez. The veteran striker forces a top save from Brad Guzan!
Inter Miami are trying to regain a bit of control in this game, struggling to find their key attacking players.
It's all a little too easy for the Atlanta United backline.
WATCH: Derrick Williams goal draws Atlanta level.
Here's the goal that keeps Atlanta United's season alive. Can they manage a famous victory this evening and force a Game Three in this best-of-three series?
Brilliant atmosphere from the home crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, sensing that their team are in the ascendancy here.
Derrick Williams
The Atlanta goalscorer is booked for grabbing at Lionel Messi on the halfway line, stemming a burgeoning Inter Miami counter-attack.
Rob Valentino's side are really on top now, boasting the athleticism in the wide forward positions that Inter Miami are lacking.
Atlanta close to a second!
Brilliant Atlanta interplay on the right sends Lobjanidze in behind Jordi Alba. The ball is pulled back to Ajani Fortune, who calmly takes it around three Miami players before firing just wide of the target!
The home crowd has been loud all evening but that goal has taken things to another level.
The Atlanta fans have seen enough to know that they are really in this game now.
GOOOOOAAAAAAALLL! Derrick Williams
The corner kick is rebuffed but Atlanta quickly win it back and hurl it back into the box. Derrick Williams charges into the middle and converts a brilliant cross from Pedro Amador from the left.
All square!
Good work from Lobjanidze on the right to win his team a corner kick. Atlanta continue to push.
Tomas Aviles
The Inter Miami defender is booked for a mistimed challenge on the edge of the box.
Big chance for Inter Miami!
Out of nowhere, Lionel Messi plays a perfect pass through to the on-rushing Jordi Alba on the left flank. Alba charges into the box and slides the ball across to Diego Gomez in the middle but he can't quite apply the crucial finishing touch to double the Miami lead.
So close to a second!
Clipped ball over the Atlanta defence finds Diego Gomez running in behind.
He tries to make space for a shot but is crowded out by recovering defenders. The flag goes up for offside.
We've also not seen very much from Lionel Messi, who was similarly quiet in the first leg. Without the pace of Robert Taylor in the frontline, there's often no target for Messi's range of passing.
Clever pass from Derrick Williams to break the lines and fire a pass into the feet of Miranchuk. The DP forward can't control it and Miami win it back.
Miranchuk's been a little disappointing so far this evening.
Lionel Messi swings in the corner kick towards Luis Suarez but Atlanta crowd him out and get the ball clear.
Inter Miami are quickly back on the offensive with Jordi Alba down the left. He fires in a teasing low cross, which is deflected on goal by an Atlanta defender.
Good save from Guzan to tip it out for a Miami corner kick.
Luis Suarez can't control a pass fired into his feet and Atlanta United win back the ball, launching a swift counter-attack.
No discernible change of shape for Inter Miami after that halftime change, although Cremaschi certainly offers greater energy than Bright.
And we're back!
Inter Miami get the second half underway.
Halftime change for Inter Miami.
Benjamin Cremaschi comes on for the Herons. Yannick Bright is off.
Atlanta United return to the field.
The home team is back on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of the second half. Inter Miami, as they often do, are taking their time to re-emerge.
It's all or nothing for Atlanta United.
With 45 minutes to go at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta know that their season will end tonight unless they can turn this around.
Can they do it? We're about to find out...
WATCH: David Martinez goal gives Inter Miami the lead.
One of the strangest goals of the season? Yes, but Inter Miami won't mind if it helps them into the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Supporters' Shield champions have not convinced in the first half but this bizarre opener from Martinez gives them a crucial lead.
Halftime: Atlanta United 0-1 Inter Miami.
The referee's whistle calls time on the first half. Inter Miami are ahead, but only just.
Good feet from Miranchuk to skip inside and work the ball across to the left flank. Can Atlanta generate a chance late in the first half?
Ronald Hernandez
Diego Gomez is hauled down by Ronald Hernandez. The Atlanta fullback is booked.
We'll have another three minutes in the first half.
Derrick Williams is penalised for a late challenge on the halfway line. Inter Miami free kick.
You have to feel for Atlanta United, who have really taken the game to Inter Miami in the past twenty minutes.
Somehow, Miami found a way to snatch the lead. As they have so many times this season.
VAR decision - Goal stands!
As suspected, VAR finds no clear and obvious error and the goal is allowed.
A shocker from Brad Guzan, who was so impressive in the first leg.
The goal will be checked by VAR, because Redondo did certainly make a movement towards Guzan before the Atlanta keeper dropped the ball. It didn't look like there was any contact though?!
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! David Martinez
Terrible mix-up at the back for Atlanta United as Brad Guzan collides with Federico Redondo, losing the ball from his grip.
The ball rolls loose to the Miami defender who clips the ball into the empty net! Miami lead!
Jordi Alba finds Diego Gomez in a pocket of space on the edge of the box. The youngster tries to play it back to Alba but he's tackled and the ball trickles out for a Miami corner.
Frustration starting to appear for Inter Miami. Federico Redondo gesture angrily after losing the ball, believing that he was fouled.
Inter Miami have lost their way a little.
We've seen precious little of Luis Suarez so far. Atlanta have managed to keep him isolated and prevent service to the 25-goal Inter Miami top scorer.
Inter Miami are edging it in terms of shots, with five to three so far, but Atlanta United have given the home crowd plenty of reason to be optimistic.
WATCH: Brilliant save from Drake Callender.
The Inter Miami stopper kept the scores level with this sharp reaction save.
Atlanta's free kick is a poor one but they quickly win the ball back and look to pin Miami back again.
Another promising opening for Atlanta. Bartosz Slisz gets an (accidental) whack in the face from Redondo, earning his team a free kick.
The second successive corner kick comes to nothing but that spell of play has served to pump up the huge home crowd. Atlanta are starting to cause Miami real problems now.
The corner kick falls at the feet of Jamal Thiare, who sees his poked effort deflected wide for another corner kick.
Callender save denies Miranchuk!
The Inter Miami keeper makes a big-time save from a curling effort form the Atlanta forward. He tips the curling effort over the crossbar and out for a corner kick.
Atlanta United clear the corner kick towards Lobjanidze on the right flank. He charges forward and tries to find Thiare in the middle but Miami block the effort.
Game's getting more stretched now. Inter Miami are right back up the other end and win a corner kick.
So close for Atlanta!
The resultant corner kicks find the head of Miranchuk, whose effort is blocked. The ball comes back to Amador who beats his man on the left and curls in a teasing cross, headed just wide by Edwards.
Better from the hosts.
Atlanta United launch a rapid counter-attack and find Thiare running through on goal. Just as he's about to pull the trigger Noah Allen gets back to intercept and clear for a corner.
Good defending from the youngster!
Messi magic nearly opens scoring.
The Inter Miami captain picks the ball up on the edge of the box and darts towards goal, drawing defenders before sliding the ball out to Diego Gomez on the left.
Gomez fires in a low cross but Messi's effort hits the side netting.
Twenty minutes in, both teams will be fairly happy with how this game has began.
Inter Miami have controlled the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United have largely kept them away from goal.
Good defending from Pedro Amador to ensure that a heavy pass from Federico Redondo rolls out for an Atlanta goal kick.
Atlanta have managed to frustrate Miami a little in the last few minutes, preventing the visitors from progressing much beyond the halfway line.
There's a chance to drive forward for Federico Redondo, seeing that Ajani Fortune is down with an injury.
The referee is happy for play to continue but Redondo sportingly opts to kick the ball out and allow Fortune to receive treatment.
Inter Miami team to take on Atlanta United.
Here's a closer look at the Inter Miami starting XI, wearing this striking heritage third kit.
The corner kick is swung in by Miranchuk, but easily rebuffed. He gets it back and tries again, this time causing a moment of panic in the Miami defence.
Eventually, the Herons clear.
Good running from Lobjanidze on the right flank, forcing Martinez to come across and concede a corner.
First corner kick of the game for Atlanta.
Good work from Ajani Fortune in the middle for Atlanta, charging through a tackle and winning a free kick for his team.
It's a good crossing position but overhit by Lobjanidze, who curls it straight out for a goal kick.
Marcelo Weigandt plays the corner short to Lionel Messi who swings in a cross. Guzan comes out to claim.
Dax McCarthy does well to slow down Lionel Messi on the break. Inter Miami win a corner kick.
First touches in the Miami third for Atlanta United but it doesn't last long, Saba Lobjanidze misplacing a pass on the edge of the box.
Good possession from Inter Miami in the opening minutes, knocking the ball around confidently. Back three Allen, Aviles and Martinez look comfortable in possession.
First sight of goal for Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan firing just over the crossbar form 20 yards.
Suarez wants a corner kick. The referee says no.
Clever play from Lionel Messi to make space and find Weigandt on the overlap. The right wing-back tears forward but can't find a teammate with his low cross.
Tata Martino will be glad to have Hector Martinez back in the team this evening. The experienced defender impressed before suffering an injury over the summer.
From the off, it looks like Miami are sticking with the 5-3-2 formation that has served them well in recent months.
Jamal Thiare starts as the lone striker for the hosts, who are playing a 5-4-1.
And we're off!
The hosts get things underway in Game Two...
The players are out!
The two teams take to the turf in front of a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Will this be a walkover for the Herons, or can Atlanta United upset their MLS Cup favourites?
We're about to find out...
Atlanta faithful making themselves heard at must-win playoff clash.
It's not been a successful season for Atlanta United, but that doesn't mean that their supporters are ready for it to be over just yet. The Five Stripes need a win over Inter Miami this evening or their 2024 campaign ends tonight.
They will have a capacity crowd of more than 70,000 people behind them.
The Supporters' Shield champions will be wearing their third-choice kit this evening, the Miami Dolphins-inspired turquoise and orange throwback kit. They are one of few teams in the league who have a third kit.
Inter Miami put through their paces.
The only major absence for the Herons tonight, aside from long-term absences like Facundo Farias, is Sergio Busquets. The experienced Spaniard misses out with an illness but Miami have plenty of quality to over for the loss.
David Beckham ready for the off.
The Inter Miami co-owner is locked in at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, hoping to see his team book their place in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. There, they could well face Florida rivals Orlando City
The Herons go into tonight's game as heavy favourites but that state of affairs is a new one between these two teams. Here's a look at the record between Inter Miami and Atlanta United, ahead of the MLS Cup Playoffs series...
Atlanta United take to the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The hosts have a big job at hand this evening, knowing that they need a win over the runaway Supporters' Shield winners if they are to avoid elimination from the post-season on home turf.
Do they have any chance? Well, Atlanta stunned Inter Miami with a 3-1 road victory earlier this season, suggesting that they can cause the Herons problems.
The Spanish midfielder is not in the starting XI. / CHRIS ARJOON / AFP
Why isn't Sergio Busquets playing for Inter Miami against Atlanta United?
Sergio Busquets misses out for Inter Miami having not traveled with the team. The veteran star is thought to be suffering from an illness which is keeping him sidelined.
His former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba are all in the starting XI for Inter Miami
Inter Miami in the house.
The Supporters' Shield winners are looking focused as they look to close off this Round One series in Game Two. A win will be enough for the Herons to book their place in the Conference semi-finals.
If the game finishes all square after 90 minutes, the winner will be decided on penalty shootout.
The Inter Miami star is in the line up tonight, looking to add to his incredible 2024 record. What does the future hold for the Argentinian legend?
Inter Miami team news.
Here's how the Herons line up this evening...
Inter Miami starting XI: Callender; Avilés, David Martínez, Allen; Weigandt, Bright, Redondo, Alba; Messi (C), Suárez, Diego Gómez.
Inter Miami arrive in Atlanta.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez look relaxed as they stroll into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, swigging, of course, their favoured pre-game beverage, mate.
While we await confirmed team news for Inter Miami, here's a look at the incredible viewing figures recorded in Game One of the series against Atlanta United. Another bumper audience is likely this evenings.
Inter Miami shirts expected in abundance in Atlanta.
Miami Herald's sports reporter Michelle Kaufman has found plenty of pink jerseys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where a bumper crowd of more than 70,000 is expected this evening.
Can Brad Guzman prove decisive for Atlanta United?
One of the top performers in Game One was veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzman, who made a massive eight saves to frustrate Lionel Messi and co. The former Premier League stopper, now 40 years old, is still capable of game-winning performances and he's proved a reliable servant to Atlanta during his time.
More than 70,000 fans could fill Mercedes-Benz Stadium this evening. / Michael Zarrilli / Getty Images
Packed house expected for Atlanta United - Inter Miami.
Atlanta United need a big performance if they are to turn the tide in this best-of-three series against Inter Miami, and the home support could be crucial.
“I’m already buzzing about what that place is going to be like,” interim head coach Rob Valentino said. “My message to the team was that these people are waiting to cheer for you, you’ve been three on the road to finish into the playoffs and you can feel the buzz getting back for them."
Valentino added that he wasn't worried about the prospect of supporters coming to watch the big-name stars in attendance.
“Even all the people coming to see [Lionel] Messi, no problem. I love it, because eventually, like last time when things were going well, they were also cheering."
“I get it, come to see the superstars, come and see our team fight and compete but these boys aren’t done yet.”
Behind the scenes with Atlanta United.
Want a glimpse behind the curtain of the MLS Cup Playoffs? Here's how things are looking ahead of kick-off at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium...
We'll be bringing you full live coverage right here on AS USA, but you can also choose to watch or stream Atlanta United - Inter Miami wherever you are in the world. Here's everything you need to know...
Mercedes-Benz Stadium awaits Inter Miami.
Are there are more impressive venues in MLS? Atlanta's vast Mercedes-Benz Stadium will play host to this MLS Cup playoffs clash, with the Level 300 open for the game.
This means that more than 70,000 fans are expected for Atlanta United - Inter Miami, potentially a team record.
A win for Inter Miami this evening will wrap up their three-game series. And, although Atlanta United are no push-overs, the Herons will be expected to progress.
Here's a look at what faces them going forward...
Inter Miami sport third-choice retro jersey.
The Herons are away from home and will take to the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in their third kit, paying homage to the Miami Dolphins with this turquoise and orange jersey.
Nevertheless, expect to see plenty of pink shirts in Atlanta this evening.
Recap: Inter Miami grind out Game One win.
It wasn't the most fluid of performances from Inter Miami - with a surprisingly flat showing from Lionel Messi - but the Herons did enough to start the post-season with a win.
Here's how it happened...
Inter Miami face playoff decider against Atlanta United.
As we head into the tenth month of the 2024 MLS season, Inter Miami are still on track for a historic achievement. Tata Martino's side wrapped up the Supporters' Shield in incredible fashion, breaking the single-season points record in the process.
Now, they can stake a claim to be the finest MLS team of all time in the playoffs.
Atlanta United host Miami for Game Two of a three-game Round One series. After winning the opener last week, a victory for Inter Miami would see them through to the Conference semi-finals.