Lionel Messi returns to XI, scores in late win over Atlanta in 2025.
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Lionel Messi Returns to XI, Scores in Late Win Over Atlanta Lionel Messi returns.
In one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season, Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return to the starting XI for Inter Miami in a dramatic encounter against Atlanta United. The Argentine icon had been sidelined with a minor injury for a few weeks, and his comeback was met with a wave of excitement from fans and players alike. The match was a crucial one for both teams, as Inter Miami was looking to maintain its position in the MLS standings, while Atlanta United was hoping to capitalize on a potential win to push for playoff contention. As the match unfolded, Messi’s return proved to be the difference-maker, with the 35-year-old scoring a late goal to seal a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami.
The Build-Up to Messi’s Return Lionel Messi returns.
Messi’s absence from the starting lineup had been felt deeply by both his team and the league as a whole. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi had transformed the club into one of the most formidable forces in MLS, elevating the level of play and bringing a renewed sense of optimism to the club. His magical moments, combined with his leadership on and off the pitch, had been key to Miami’s success in recent months.
However, a small injury picked up in a mid-season game left Messi with no choice but to sit out a few matches. Fans of Inter Miami, as well as MLS supporters across the globe, anxiously awaited his return. The club had managed to stay competitive during his absence, but it was clear that Messi’s presence on the field was irreplaceable. With several important fixtures approaching, his return to the XI was eagerly anticipated.
Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, had kept fans in suspense regarding Messi’s fitness. Martino, who had worked closely with Messi during his time as the coach of the Argentina national team, had hinted that the star player was making progress in his recovery and would likely feature in the upcoming match against Atlanta United. The match was set to be a showdown between two teams fighting for different objectives—Miami’s quest for the top spot and Atlanta’s battle for playoff qualification.
As the days passed, it became clear that Messi was ready to return to action. The excitement around his comeback grew exponentially, with fans packing the stadium and even buying special tickets just to witness Messi’s return to the field. The match was billed as a must-see event, and it lived up to the hype.
Pre-Match Anticipation Lionel Messi returns. Lionel Messi returns
The atmosphere inside DRV PNK Stadium was electric hours before the match even kicked off. Fans from both sides gathered outside the stadium, chanting, waving flags, and eagerly discussing Messi’s potential impact. As the teams began their warm-ups, it was evident that this match would be more than just another regular-season fixture—it would be a moment of history. Messi, one of the greatest players ever to play the game, was stepping onto the pitch in South Florida once again.
In the days leading up to the match, media outlets and pundits were buzzing about how Messi’s return would affect the dynamics of the game. While Messi’s return was expected to boost Inter Miami’s attack, it was also anticipated that his presence would alter the way Atlanta approached the match. The Five Stripes, led by head coach Gonzalo Pineda, would have to devise a strategy to contain Messi while still focusing on their own attacking threats.
One of the key storylines leading up to the match was how Messi would fit back into the team’s system. In his previous appearances for Miami, Messi had displayed an uncanny understanding of the team’s style, linking up with midfielders like Leonardo Campana and Josef Martínez to create dangerous chances. His combination of vision, dribbling, and clinical finishing had elevated the team to new heights. However, with Messi’s time off the pitch, it was unclear how long it would take for him to rediscover his rhythm and reestablish chemistry with his teammates.
First Half: A Slow Start for Miami Lionel Messi returns. Lionel Messi returns
When the match finally kicked off, it became clear that Messi’s return wasn’t going to be an immediate cure-all for Inter Miami’s challenges. Atlanta United, knowing the importance of the game, started with high intensity and aggressive pressing. The Five Stripes disrupted Miami’s build-up play early on and created a few dangerous opportunities in the opening minutes.
Inter Miami, on the other hand, looked a bit sluggish. Without Messi’s creative spark and leadership on the field for the past few matches, the team seemed a little out of sync. The midfield struggled to control possession, and the attacking third lacked the fluidity that had made them so dangerous with Messi in the lineup. Despite the early struggles, the fans kept their faith, knowing that the magic of Messi could come at any moment.
In the 21st minute, Atlanta struck first. Midfielder Thiago Almada, who had been in fine form throughout the season, picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a stunning long-range shot that flew past Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender and into the top corner. The goal sent the visiting fans into raptures, while the home supporters sat in stunned silence.
Inter Miami’s response to the goal was relatively subdued. Messi, who had started the match, was seen gesturing to his teammates and urging them to lift their intensity. He was visibly frustrated with the lack of cohesion in the attack and was trying to spark something with his movement and creativity. However, despite a few bright moments from the Argentine, the first half ended with Atlanta leading 1-0.
Messi’s Influence: Turning the Tide in the Second Half Lionel Messi returns. Lionel Messi returns
As the second half began, there was an undeniable shift in the energy on the field. Messi’s leadership became more apparent as he began to influence the game more directly. While Inter Miami continued to struggle with possession, Messi’s ability to pick out passes and create space for his teammates began to show.
In the 58th minute, Messi had a chance to equalize after being played through by Josef Martínez. The Argentine took a touch inside the box but saw his shot blocked by Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who made an excellent save to deny Messi’s attempt. This moment seemed to reinvigorate Messi, who could feel the game starting to swing in his favor.
Despite the continued pressure from Atlanta, it was clear that Messi’s presence was starting to turn the tide. His positioning was perfect, and his vision was cutting through Atlanta’s defense. His ability to draw defenders toward him, allowing space for others, was creating openings for Miami’s other attackers.
In the 72nd minute, Inter Miami finally got their breakthrough. A well-worked set piece resulted in a cross into the box, where Messi was perfectly positioned to receive the ball. He controlled it with his usual finesse and laid it off for Campana, who coolly slotted the ball past Guzan to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer seemed to lift Miami’s spirits, and the stadium erupted in celebration. Messi, though not directly involved in the goal, was visibly elated, gesturing to the fans and rallying his teammates for a push toward a win. The momentum had shifted, and it was clear that Atlanta United was now on the back foot.
Messi’s Late Heroics: Sealing the Win Lionel Messi returns. Lionel Messi returns
As the game entered the final stages, both teams pushed for a decisive goal. Atlanta, needing the win for their playoff hopes, continued to press high, leaving gaps at the back. Inter Miami, now full of confidence after the equalizer, began to exploit those spaces.
In the 86th minute, Messi, who had been orchestrating Miami’s play throughout the second half, found himself in a dangerous position. He received the ball on the edge of the box, where he took a few touches to set himself up. Messi was surrounded by three Atlanta defenders, but as he often does, he created just enough space with a delicate feint before curling a trademark shot into the far corner of the net.
The crowd went wild. Messi had scored the match-winning goal in the dying moments, and his celebration was a testament to the immense relief and joy he felt. His teammates rushed to congratulate him, and the stadium erupted in a deafening chorus of cheers.
The goal was a perfect example of Messi’s genius: his ability to read the game, his composure under pressure, and his clinical finishing were all on display in that moment. It was a goal that encapsulated everything that makes Messi one of the greatest players in football history.
Post-Match Reaction Lionel Messi returns. Lionel Messi returns
After the match, Messi’s impact on the game was widely praised by coaches, teammates, and analysts alike. Tata Martino, who had seen Messi’s evolution as a player over many years, was full of praise for his captain. “Lionel is special,” Martino said. “He’s always capable of turning a game like that. His return was exactly what we needed, and he showed once again why he’s the best in the world.”
Messi, though humble as always, spoke about the importance of the team effort in securing the win. “It’s great to be back, but the most important thing is the team,” Messi said in his post-match interview. “We fought hard for this result, and it’s a big step for us as we continue to push for the playoffs.”
For Atlanta United, the loss was a tough one to swallow, as they had worked hard to stay competitive throughout the match. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda expressed disappointment but also highlighted the positive aspects of the performance. “We gave everything we had, but sometimes, when you’re up against a player like Messi, it’s hard to prevent that kind of magic,” Pineda said.
In the end, Messi’s return was a triumph, and his late goal ensured that Inter Miami claimed all three points. The victory was crucial for their playoff hopes, while Messi’s performance reminded everyone of his extraordinary talent and ability to deliver in big moments.
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