In a dramatic match at Lockhart Stadium, striker Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the MLS playoffs, helping Inter Miami to a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United.

Miami is in a dramatic chase with Atlanta in the third round of the MLS playoffs, when Messi left a moment of brilliance to help the team regain the balance.

The match was tense from the beginning, when Miami took an early lead thanks to Matías Rojas’ goal in the 17th minute. However, Atlanta quickly responded with a brace from Jamal Thiare, scoring twice in just three minutes in the 19th and 21st minutes, putting the visitors up 2-1.

In the second half, Miami increased the pressure with a series of dangerous situations, in which Messi and Alba continuously created remarkable finishing moves. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan had to stretch himself with a series of important saves, helping the visitors maintain the advantage throughout most of the second half.

And in the 70th minute, the home team’s brightest star, Messi, spoke up when he scored from Marcelo Weigandt’s cross, helping Miami equalize the score. This was also Messi’s first goal in the MLS playoff series, causing the stands to explode and Miami fans to have more faith in victory.

However, less than 5 minutes later, the pink team’s negligence in the defense system made Messi’s efforts go down the drain. In the 76th minute, when a Miami player fell in the penalty area, the home players seemed to stop focusing, hoping the match would be paused. However, the referee let the match continue, and Atlanta quickly seized the opportunity.

Amador crossed the ball from the left wing into the penalty area, allowing Silsz to jump high and head the ball into the far post, scoring against Miami. This beautiful goal stunned the audience at Lockhart and helped Atlanta regain the lead in this dramatic match.

The final score was 3-2 in favor of Atlanta.