In a thrilling finish, Atlanta United equalized against Inter Miami with a stunning late goal from Aleksei Miranchuk, resulting in a 2-2 draw in Major League Soccer’s 33rd matchday.
Despite resting key players, including Lionel Messi, Inter Miami appeared set to secure a victory against Atlanta United. Messi did make an appearance in the second half but was unable to find the net.
Inter Miami was ahead 2-1 until the 84th minute, fielding an alternate lineup that did not start Messi, Jordi Alba, Federico Redondo, and Luis Suárez. The team’s head coach, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, had previously indicated he would rotate players to manage their energy levels during a week with three scheduled matches. After facing Atlanta, Miami is set to travel to play New York City FC.
Messi came on in the 61st minute following a previous match where he played nearly 100 minutes after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final. The team also missed the services of Sergio Busquets and others due to suspension.
Inter Miami concluded the midweek matchday with 68 points, leading the Eastern Conference and the entire MLS, holding at least a 10-point advantage over their nearest competitor for the Supporters Shield.
Throughout most of the first half, Inter dominated possession but struggled to capitalize on opportunities until Leonardo Campana assisted David Ruiz for the opening goal in the 29th minute.
In the second half, an error from Miami’s goalkeeper Callender allowed Atlanta to level the score when Saba Lobjanidze’s shot slipped through his legs in the 56th minute. However, just two minutes later, Campana restored Miami’s lead with a well-taken direct free kick.
Messi’s entrance brought renewed energy to Atlanta, who began to dominate much of the second half. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t find the equalizer until Miranchuk’s late goal secured the draw.
Inter Miami will remain in Atlanta before traveling to New York for their third match of the week.