Lionel Messi showcases defensive ability, nails first MLS goal of the season with clever cut and chip

Games between Atlanta United and Inter Miami are cash register and their first meeting since Atlanta de Reigers from the MLS Cup -Play -offs made was no different. Lionel Messi made his first start in competition game this season and scored his first goal of the competition campaign after he had not started Miami’s last two games due to load management.

The Argentin has registered a goal involvement in every match he has played this season with four goals and two assists in all competitions, but this goal was not a prototypical goal because of how it was made. Messi closed Atlanta United -midfielder Bartoz Slisz with defensive edition, won the ball, beat a defender and then hit Brad Guzan in front of the finish when he came out of his net.

That goal brought the match for Inter Miami after the powerful header of Emmanual Latte Lath to open the score for Atlanta United, but it is far from a prototypical Messi goal. With everything that Messi does, defense is not the best things he is known for, but recognizes the situation, he quickly acted to have a chance in a quick goal for the herons.

It is a reaction that shows that this competition can mean a little more after the history that these teams build, but Miami will still have to find out how the ball can be given the space to serve the space and test Guzan more in the net to keep their undefeated start of this young season.

Atlanta was able to put pressure on Miami’s defense at the start of the game, but when a team has Messi, missed opportunities can come back to chase.