Picault's Late Goal Gives Miami Win over Rivals Atlanta United

Courtesy: Inter Miami CF

Last season, Atlanta United stunned the MLS world by knocking out Supporters' Shield winners Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in a best-of-three first-round playoff series. Though Atlanta’s postseason run would end in the next round against Orlando City, their upset victory over Miami was not forgotten. In their first meeting since that shocking playoff exit, Inter Miami exacted revenge with a 2-1 victory, sealed by Fafa Picault’s clutch game-winning goal.

Atlanta aimed to capitalize on Miami’s grudge and struck early. In the 11th minute, Brooks Lennon delivered a perfectly placed cross into the box, where Emmanuel Latte Lath rose to head the ball past Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. Without their starting goalkeeper, Drake Callender—who remained sidelined due to a muscle injury—Miami found themselves trailing early. The goal was Atlanta’s first since their season opener against CF Montréal.

Atlanta nearly doubled their lead just seven minutes later. Once again, Lennon sent a dangerous cross into the box, and Latte Lath confidently headed the ball into the net. However, Latte Lath was ruled offside, keeping the score at 1-0.

Lionel Messi, returning to Miami’s lineup after missing the teams last three games due to fatigue, wasted no time making his presence felt. In the 20th minute, the Argentine superstar showcased his brilliance, flicking the ball over Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan to bring Miami level. The goal was a reminder that Messi, even after a brief absence, remains a game-changer who can turn the tide in an instant.

Courtesy: Inter Miami CF

The match evolved into a gritty, hard-fought battle, with both teams generating dangerous scoring chances. Miami and Atlanta each tested each other's defense, forcing heroic saves from goalkeepers Guzan and Ríos Novo. Neither side relented, keeping the intensity high as they searched for a breakthrough.

As the game approached its final moments, Miami found the winning goal. Jordi Alba delivered a precise short cross near the back post, where Picault met it with a well-placed header, sending the ball trickling past Guzan and into the net. It was Picault’s first goal for Inter Miami—and it could not have come at a better time, securing all three points for his new club.

With this victory, Miami remains unbeaten in MLS play (3-1-0) and will look to expand on their strong start when they host the Philadelphia Union in two weeks. Meanwhile, Atlanta has struggled since their season-opening win, failing to secure another victory. Now sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, they will aim to bounce back against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.