Atlanta United troll Messi and Inter Miami after win

Inter Miami suffered in the absence of Lionel Messi. Without their Argentine talisman, they ended up losing 5-2 to Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Initially, it all seemed to have started well for Miami, after Leonardo Campana opened the scoring with a stunning volley which will surely be among the contenders for goal of the week.

However, Atlanta were back level within eight minutes - a blow from which Tata Martino’s men found themselves unable to recover. By piling forward, they left themselves vulnerable and were punished for it.

It was Miami’s biggest defeat since the 4-1 thrashing by Philadelphia Union in June - just before Messi joined. Atlanta United didn’t miss the chance to rub it in. The Five Stripes posted a message on social media, suggesting that it might be a better idea for Miami to bring a full squad with them next time.

Evidently, it is a clear nod to Messi’s absence. Last night it was confirmed that he would not travel to Atlanta and this morning he was seen with his sons Ciro and Mateo at Inter Miami’s academy watching his eldest son Thiago.

Now, the Argentine star, after having been rested by Argentina for the World Cup qualifier against Bolivia and now by Martino in the MLS, he will need to be ready to help Las Garzas. Miami are second from bottom in the Eastern Conference with 28 points, seven points adrift of the playoff places.

The mockery didn’t stop there...

Atlanta couldn’t resist another dig at their rivals, on their Spanish social media account, they published a photo alluding to a post by Messi thanking a pizzeria for having sent him a takeaway meal.

“Here is your pizza for the trip”

And, as if that were not enough, after Campana’s second goal from the penalty spot, the game heated up and there was a lot of friction, tussling and complaints by players from both sides.