Inter Miami Clinch Dramatic 2-1 Victory Over Atlas in Leagues Cup Thriller
**Fort Lauderdale, FL** – In a match brimming with intensity, creativity, and drama, Inter Miami secured a crucial 2-1 win over Mexican side Atlas FC in their opening Leagues Cup fixture. Fueled by Lionel Messi’s brilliance and a late winner from Marcelo Weigandt, Miami delivered a performance that showcased both resilience and flair.
First Half: Missed Chances and Defensive Grit
The first 45 minutes saw both sides creating chances, but neither able to break the deadlock. Inter Miami, deploying a high-pressing system, controlled much of the possession early on. Rodrigo De Paul, making his club debut in midfield, combined well with Sergio Busquets to dictate the pace.
Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia were particularly active down the flanks, with several overlapping runs causing problems for the Atlas backline. Luis Suárez nearly opened the scoring just before halftime when he latched onto a lofted pass from Jordi Alba, but his volley cannoned off the crossbar and out.
Atlas, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counterattack. Their front three carved out several half-chances, but they were denied by a composed performance from Miami’s goalkeeper, who remained alert and confident under pressure.
Second Half: Goals and Chaos
The second half opened with renewed intensity. It took just over ten minutes for the deadlock to break. In the 57th minute, Messi picked up the ball on the left side of the box and drew defenders toward him before sliding a delicate pass to Segovia, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to put Inter Miami ahead 1-0.
The goal lifted the crowd and ignited a wave of momentum. Miami pressed for a second, with Suárez and Allende both coming close, but Atlas held firm and waited for their chance.
In the 80th minute, their patience paid off. Following a corner, a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to Rivaldo Lozano, who tapped it in from close range to equalize. The goal momentarily silenced the home crowd and shifted the pressure back onto Miami.
Stoppage-Time Heroics
As the game appeared destined for a penalty shootout, Lionel Messi once again rose to the occasion. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, he found space on the right and whipped a low cross into the box. Marcelo Weigandt timed his run perfectly, slipping between defenders to redirect the ball into the net.
The goal was initially flagged for offside, leading to a lengthy VAR review. After tense moments, the referee confirmed the goal. The stadium erupted, and Inter Miami celebrated wildly — not just a win, but a statement of intent in their pursuit of Leagues Cup glory.
Messi Orchestrates, Weigandt Finishes
Though Messi didn’t score, his influence was undeniable. Both of Inter Miami’s goals came directly from his vision and passing. His ability to draw defenders and create space for others has become a recurring theme this season, and it was on full display here.
Weigandt’s goal was equally significant — a reminder that Miami’s threat extends beyond its superstars. The Argentine fullback showed great timing and composure to score under pressure and seal the win.
Rodrigo De Paul Shines in Debut
Another standout on the night was Rodrigo De Paul, who played a full 90 minutes in his first appearance for the club. De Paul brought energy, physicality, and precise passing to the midfield. His ability to win duels and link defense to attack was crucial in maintaining Miami’s rhythm throughout the game.
His chemistry with Messi and Busquets was evident, and fans will be encouraged by how seamlessly he slotted into the side.
Atlas Showed Grit but Fell Short
To their credit, Atlas did not back down. They weathered early pressure and managed to claw their way back into the match. Their equalizer was well-earned, and for stretches in the second half, they looked capable of stealing the result. However, lapses in defensive organization — particularly in the closing minutes — cost them dearly.
Looking Ahead
The win puts Inter Miami in a strong position to advance from their group in the Leagues Cup. More importantly, it continues their impressive run of form under manager Gerardo Martino. With Messi back in rhythm, De Paul finding his footing, and the team showing increasing cohesion, Miami are emerging as one of the tournament favorites.
For Atlas, the narrow loss will sting, but the performance showed promise. They’ll need to regroup quickly for their next match, where nothing short of a win may be enough to keep their tournament hopes alive.
**Final Score: Inter Miami 2 – 1 Atlas FC**
**Goals:**
* Segovia (57') – Inter Miami
* Lozano (80') – Atlas FC
* Weigandt (90+6') – Inter Miami