Inter Miami vs Atlanta United live online: summary: score, goals, highlights | Leagues Cup 2023
Messi & Inter Miami lay down a marker
On a night when many questioned whether the honeymoon would end, Inter Miami showed that they're not just a platform on which Leo Messi can perform, but rather a well oiled machine, a proper team if you will.
From DeAndre Yedlin's solid performance in defense, to Benjamin Cremaschi's tireless work in midfield, the so called supporting cast showed that they can definitely play, and that's before we get to Robert Taylor. The young Finnish star put on a show that even left Messi himself impressed. Indeed, Taylor's two stunning goals on the night were a reminder that this is indeed a "sum of its parts" type of situation, in that coach Tata Martino called for them to be better and they were. They were more vigilant in defense, tidier in midfield and clinical up front.
As for the man of the hour, what can be said about Leo Messi that hasn't been said already? Afterall, we're talking about the best player we've seen over the last decade and quite possibly ever. Yet, if there's one thing we can touch on that's perhaps a little different, is the situation that Messi now finds himself in and the manner in which he's adapted to it.
Having played with and against many of the world's best, this is a player who is accustomed to a high level of pressure and has consistently risen to meet it. In the American league, however, he finds himself in more of a instructor's role rather than the focal point of the whole show. That's not to say he's not the central figure in Miami, but the way in which he's seamlessly taken to his teammates and moreover appears to be enjoying giving them opportunities to shine, is something we haven't seen before.
Messi the provider is not how we normally think of him, given his formidable record in front of goal. Yet, it was his play in between the lines and his assists that really caught the eye. Of course, we don't expect him to stop scoring anytime soon, but it's interesting to see how he's effortlessly finding ways to help others do the same. Whatever the case, Messi's American adventure is off to a brilliant start and we're looking forward to seeing how it continues.
And that's a wrap on what's been an exciting match here in the 2023 Leagues Cup. It's Inter Miami who come away with a convincing 4-0 win over Atlanta United
We're in the 90th now and it's another Atlanta United corner after Dixon Arroyo concedes it. Can they get a consolation goal here?
As we approach the 90th minute, we can definitely say that Inter Miami have laid down a marker tonight.
Edwin Mosquera's effort is saved in the bottom right corner by Callender. Once again he'll be ruing his missed chances.
It's saved!! Thiago Almada's right footed spot kick is saved by Callender in Inter Miami's goal. As I said before, the clean sheet continues!
Oooooo! It's Christopher McVey who is shown the red card after a foul in the penalty area. Atlanta United will have a spot kick to convert!
Atlanta United with one more substitution. This time it's Derrick Etienne Jr. who replaces Caleb Wiley
Apparently with no intentions to simply lie down, Almada is putting on something of a late show here which is why Dixon Arroyo fouled him. Atlanta United will have a free kick.
Atlanta's own star, Thiago Almada, sees his threatening drive saved in the bottom right corner by Callender. He'll be be upset with himself about that one.
Atlanta's Miguel Berry is on the receiving end of a rather heavy challenge and with that they will have a free kick from a threatening area.
Inter Miami get themselves a corner as we approach the 80th minute. It's been more or less one way traffic at this point and one has to feel that it's likely to continue in the same vein.
Another left-footer from Robert Taylor, but this time it's saved by Guzan. This kid can really play!
Edwin Mosquera and not for the first time tonight has onc again had a good look at Callender's goal. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to come up with the goods and so the clean sheet continues.
This is Messi's team
Though I mentioned the peculiar situation that we can see with Inter Miami's players essentially being star struck, it's interesting to watch the way in which Messi has fit right in.
Watching him, you'd think he's been playing with these guys for several seasons, but such is the level of the man. From the way in which he creates space for his teammates by drawing defenders, to how he gives each one of them the pass they want, in the manner that's best suited to them.
Atlanta United with two more changes as Miguel Berry steps in for Giorgos Giakoumakis and Osvaldo Alonso enters for Matheus Rossetto.
Robert Taylor's 2nd and Inter Miami's 4th
A look at the classy finish from the the Finnish talent.
Josef Martinez has won a free kick for Inter Miami in a dangerous spot, but in the end it comes to nothing. Will that be the case for Atlanta United who just did the same through Thiago Almada.
Cremaschi wins a free kick after a cynical challenge. You can tell that Atlanta's players are beginning to lose their cool.
A decent effort after some clever play from Atlanta United. It was Edwin Mosquera with the right footed shot, but in the end it was directly at Callender in goal.
Atlanta get themselves another corner, but once again are unable to do anything with it. They'll need to work on that, as they are getting them.
Robert Taylor with a lovely finish to put complete what was a great build up. His left footed shot from the left side of the box is too much for Atlanta's Callender in goal as it flies into the bottom right corner. Assisted by you-know-who, Leo Messi. That's 4-0!
Atlanta wins a corner - a rarity for them - but in the end it's too deep and Inter Miami are able to break.
Busquets once again proves he's as slippery as they come, as he wins a free kick in a dangerous area just outside the box.
A decent shot from Robert Taylor after a well-worked move by Cremaschi, but his effort is denied and Atlanta are able to break.
Atlanta United will make two changes with Ronald Hernández replacing Juan José Purata and Edwin Mosquera stepping in for Tyler Wolff
Off we go again, though with some degree of difficulty as our technical issues still persist.
Inter Miami are still learning about Messi
If there's one takeaway from that opening half, it's that despite the 3-0 scoreline, Inter Miami are still adjusting to having Leo Messi in their lineup. Indeed, as the world's best player, you are going to grab the attention of your opponents, which is clearly a good thing for those trying to find space in attack.
On the other hand, as we've seen on several ocassions, players are looking for the World Cup Winner in situations that don't necessarily make sense. It's clear that these are still early days, and so this is a work in progress.
Yet, one has to wonder how coach Tata Martino will address this not-so-normal problem.
Robert Taylor with a peach
A classy play and a brilliant finish to give Inter Miami the 3-0 lead just before the half. After some crafty play from Messi and a deft flick from Cremaschi, it was the young Finnish talent with a blistering shot.
Messi makes it two
If you're going to let the best player in the world run at your defense, then chances are you're going to have a problem. So said, so done for No. 2
Messi's 1st of the night
Though our technical problems persist, here's a look at the first girl of the night and Messi's second in as many games for his new team.
Technical Problems
Folks I apologize for the loss of feed. We're currently experiencing some technical difficulties and will be back with you as soon as possible.
Messi tries to dink the ball over the defense for Martinez, but it's just too long and Atlanta recover..
As we approach the half hour mark, it's starting to become a lesson in possession for Atlanta United, something that we weren't entirely expecting. Prior to the game, Miami coach Tata Martino said it wasn't their best game and that they needed to improve. They have.
Yedlin plays to Messi and continues his run down the right side and is then found once again by the Argentine. His cross is brilliant and Taylor flicks it to Martinez, but his final shot is blocked. Atlanta can breathe again.
Some clever play by Almada who has been the only bright spark in the half so far for Atlanta, but in the end his surge into the box is broken up by Yedlin.
For a team that is one of the best possession teams in the league, Atlanta United certainly don't look like it. While it's clear that they face a huge challenge in Messi and Busquets, the reality is they're not using the ball intelligently when they have it.
Atlanta are in trouble here, and not just because the scoreline reads 2-0, but rather because they're allowing both Messi and Busquets way too much time on the ball. Too respectful perhaps?
One more time! Leo Messi has just got his 2nd of the night after a great run from midfield. Having played the ball out left to Robert Taylor, the ball was returned perfectly and though Atlanta almost cut it out, they couldn't stop the Argentine from finding the net once more!
Great ball to Brooks Lennon on the right side and this time his cross is much better, such that Callender is force to come off his line to punch it out. Inter Miami can breathe a little easier as that play looked to be getting dangerous.
Working around the area, Inter Miami are dominating possession, but in the end after finally getting the ball to Messi, the Argentine's shot isn't strong enough to give any worries to Guzan.
Though the focus will be on Busquets in the engine room, its got to be said that Cremaschi has given a very good account of himself so far alongside the former Barca player.
Once again Inter are working from the back although Almada almost knicked it off of Yedlin.
Busquets finds Messi who plays a delightful long ball to the left side where Robert Taylor's first touch lets him down a little. Though he does well to recover and enters the box from the left, his cross is left wanting and Atlanta will break.
Again from the back, Inter Miami try to build but are forced home. They appear to be quite comfortable absorbing pressure as they attempt to lure Atlanta in.
Thiago Almada with a lovely run through the midfield lays it out to the left, but in the end it's broken up and Miami break through Robert Taylor.
after some slick play between Messi and Joseph Martinez, it's the latter who comes away with it and sees his thunderous shot saved by Guzan in goal.
It's Atlanta United this time who manage to come away with the ball after a slog in midfield but as quickly as I say that they give it away and it's a break for Miami.
Inter Miami have regained possession and once again play the ball home in an effort to build. A long ball to Robert Taylor out left, but he's promptly fouled and Inter Miami will have a free kick.
And just like that! Following Guzan's clearance, it was Messi this time who was played in one-on-one and though his initial shot past Atlanta's helpless keeper hit the post, he was able to follow up and casually slot it home with his right foot. 1-0 and Inter Miami are up and running!
Messi tries to play Robert Taylor in with a similar ball but it's too long.
What a ball from Almada to the right side to find Brooks Lennon. Unfortunately, his cross isn't up to par and Miami are able to come away with the ball.
The Herons are playing in their own defense for the moment, apparently preferring to build rather than push. As I say that, a failed long ball is played to Messi and Atlanta come away with the ball.
The corner is too deep and Yedlin is fouled as he heads clear. Inter Miami will get us going once again with a free kick.
Atlanta retain possession in their own defense as they look for a direct ball to Giakoumakis once again. They've managed to get themselves a corner - the first of the game.
Martinez is up front for Inter Miami and he's quickly dispossessed. Atlanta on the break and it's almost a stunning counter attacking goal if not.Giakoumakis can't believe his bad luck.
Busquets with his first touch of the night and he plays it to Messi who gets his first as well. The crowd likes that.
Inter Miami have won the toss and they'll get us started. Off we go with the Herons playing directly back to home.
It's time!
We're just about ready to go! Be sure to stay with us throughout as we bring you the action play by play.
The teams are on the field
Both sides are on the field and the lineups are being announced. Inter Miami wiill be hoping to continue their winning ways, while Atlanta will be intent on returning to them, having lost their last game to Orlando City.
The 'Five Stripes' have had more rest than their opponents, but they're about to face Leo Messi and that's the harsh reality of the situation. Alongside Messi is another legend of the game and one who's won countless titles as well, Sergio Busquets.
No matter how you cut it, the task facing Atlanta United is daunting, but they've got a World Cup winner as well in Thiago Almada. He'll need to be at his best.
Diddy is in the house
With just a few minutes to go before kickoff, we can see that the Grammy Award winning artist and producer is yet another fan to feel the Messi effect.
It's almost game time
The players are warming up, the stadium is beginning to fill, and we're now less than half hour away from kickoff. It's Inter Miami vs Atlanta United in the 2023 Leagues Cup!
If you're just joining us, then be sure to take a look through our previous posts so you can get up to speed on this one, as we prepare to watch Leo Messi's second game with his new team. It's still surreal if you ask us, but it's been great so far. Don't go away as kick off is coming up!
Thiago Alamada will be key
While the majority of the attention will understandably be focused on his compatriot, it would be a mistake to forget about Atlanta's own World Cup winner, Thiago Almada. Having conquered the world alongside Messi in Qatar, the 22-year-old will be key to the Five Stripes' hopes of getting something out of this Group J match in the 2023 Leagues Cup.
If 'eyes in the back of your head' was a person
The list of titles that Sergio Busquets has seen is staggering, and his role in securing them is undeniably central. Indeed, as a fellow World Cup winner (2010), Busquets, like Messi is part of an elite group of players. An architect in the center of the field, few in the game today can compare when it comes chance creation and maintenance of possession. If Messi is the star of the show, then Busquets is its director.
Inter Miami's lineup looks formidable
Though we already knew that he was going to start, seeing it made official is still giving us goose bumps.
How's Atlanta United lining up?
The 'Five Stripes' know they're up against it tonight and then some. They simply can't ignore the idea that they're about to face the best player today and arguably in the history of the game. Where tactics are concerned, top of the list will be containing Leo Messi, as there's no stopping him. Can they do that? Stay with us to find out!
Partners in crime
The boys are in the building and it would be silly to deny how excited we are for this one. Playing at home, Inter Miami are coming off of a huge win against Cruz Azul in their 2023 Leagues Cup opener. Of course it was Leo Messi himself who put the finishing touch on that one, but right now it's all about Atlanta United.
With fellow former Barca star Sergio Busquets joining him on the field, we expect that the pair are going to give American fans a look at why they conquered Spain and Europe on numerous occasions.
But wait...what exactly is the Leagues Cup?
In a first for Soccer, the Leagues Cup is a CONCACAF sanctioned tournament which pits all of the teams from North America's MLS against those from Mexico's Liga MX.
Incidentally, the tournament actually debuted in 2019 but was limited to just four teams from each league. Now, in 2023, it's been expanded to include all of the teams. That's to say we're in for a wild ride!
Doesn't seem like much of a challenge...
In any league, 28 goals is a fair tally for a campaign, but when we're talking about a player who once scored 73 goals across all competitions in a single season, it doesn't seem very hard to achieve. At any rate, it's going to be a joy to watch him take on the challenge.
He Starts!
It was the question we all wanted an answer to and now it's official. Leo Messi will start tonight's game against Atlanta United and so too will his fellow Barca alumni, Sergio Busquets.
The Messi Effect
It's not to say we didn't know this already, but when you see the numbers in front of your face it hits a little different.Ladies and gentlemen, Leo Messi.
This is getting out of hand now...
Should the MLS outfit manage to secure the services of the Uruguayan hitman, it would be hard to argue against the idea that they might have the most exciting roster in soccer today.
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"Thick as thieves" as the saying goes. Having already terrorized the Spanish league and the European continent as a whole, it seems there's a real possibility that these two might be reunited. Truth be told, it already seems like the band is getting back together in Miami with former Barca stars such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba already having joined the party. Should the Uruguayan follow suit, it would be the cherry on top of the cake.
Context is key in Miami
Aside from the obvious, which is to say 'Messi Mania' has taken hold of Miami, there are a few things to consider about the club, the man himself and the community in which he is now playing. Take a look at some of the pieces below for a better understanding of the situation in which the little magician now finds himself.
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Welcome Welcome Welcome!
Messi Mania is here once again folks and with that we'd like to give you a warm welcome to our coverage of the 2023 Leagues Cup here on AS USA.
After a dramatic finish courtesy of the man himself - in his MLS debut no less - Inter Miami got an important win in their opening game of Group J against Cruz Azul. A packed house laden with celebrities was on hand to see the world's best player strut his stuff and needless to say they weren't disappointed. With seconds left on the cock, the Argentinian delivered a picture perfect free kick to send the fans into pandemonium and more importantly, clinch a 2-1 win.
Regardless, tonight will be a different ball game all together as Messi will get his first taste of American opposition in the form of Atlanta United. Needless to say, as a fellow MLS side, they will be looking to show the World Cup winner that whether he wants to call it 'football' or 'soccer' they can play the game. Will they manage to succeed where the Mexican outfit failed? Stay with us to find out!