The rivalry between Atlanta United and Inter Miami has grown significantly in recent years, as both teams have become prominent forces in Major League Soccer (MLS). Atlanta United, known for their passionate fan base and attacking football, has maintained a high profile in MLS, while Inter Miami, founded in 2018, has quickly established itself as a competitive side with global appeal, especially with the arrival of superstar Lionel Messi in 2023. The encounters between these two clubs have provided fans with thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and a dynamic narrative that continues to unfold in the 2024-2025 MLS season.
The First Encounter: Atlanta United vs Inter Miami (2020)
The first-ever meeting between Atlanta United and Inter Miami took place on March 1, 2020, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This match was significant for a few reasons, not only because it marked the beginning of the rivalry but also because it was Inter Miami’s inaugural match in MLS.
In this game, Atlanta United demonstrated their experience and attacking prowess. The team was led by Pity Martínez and Ezequiel Barco, both key contributors in Atlanta’s MLS Cup-winning campaign in 2018. Josef Martínez, the club’s star striker, had an impact in the match, and the game ended with a 2-1 victory for Atlanta United.
The First Win for Inter Miami: Atlanta United vs Inter Miami (2021)
Fast forward to April 24, 2021, when Inter Miami secured their first-ever win against Atlanta United in an MLS match. This match was a turning point for Inter Miami, as it marked their resilience and ability to compete with established MLS teams. The game took place at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Inter Miami’s Gonzalo Higuaín played a key role in the 2-1 victory, scoring a crucial goal that lifted Miami to a much-needed victory. Rodolfo Pizarro continued to shine as the creative playmaker for Miami, while Atlanta struggled to find their rhythm. Thiago Almada, who had been one of the standout players for Atlanta United, was unable to make a major impact in the match.
Messi’s Arrival and the Shift in the Rivalry (2023)
The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in 2023 was a game-changing moment, not only for the club but for the entire MLS. The signing of Messi, one of the greatest football players of all time, brought international attention to MLS and to Inter Miami in particular. Messi’s arrival shifted the dynamics of the rivalry between Atlanta United and Inter Miami, raising the stakes for every encounter between the two teams.
Messi’s debut match for Inter Miami was highly anticipated, and the rivalry became even more intense. His playing style, technical brilliance, and leadership on the field made Inter Miami an immediate contender in MLS, and every game involving Messi was seen as a must-watch spectacle. Atlanta United now faced the challenge of competing against one of the world’s best players in Messi, adding a new level of excitement and intrigue to this matchup.
The 2024 Season: Messi and Inter Miami’s Growth
As the 2024 MLS season unfolded, Inter Miami, under the leadership of Lionel Messi, began to dominate teams across the league. The introduction of players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both former Barcelona stars who joined Inter Miami in the wake of Messi’s arrival, made the team even stronger. With a combination of Messi’s creativity, Busquets’ vision, and Alba’s defensive stability, the team quickly became a top contender for the MLS Cup.
In contrast, Atlanta United, though still a strong team in MLS, had some ups and downs in the 2024 season. However, players like Thiago Almada, who had impressed in the previous seasons, stepped up and continued to be the focal point of Atlanta’s attack. Almada’s partnership with Josef Martínez (prior to his departure) and Rocco Rios Novo in goal showed promise.
Major Player Performances: Key Stats and Contributions
In their 2024-2025 encounters, several players stood out, creating some of the most exciting moments in the Atlanta United vs Inter Miami rivalry.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Since his arrival, Messi has been an integral part of Inter Miami’s success. His contributions in attack—whether scoring goals or providing assists—have made him the centerpiece of the team. Messi’s ability to create opportunities out of thin air has given Inter Miami a significant edge over most MLS teams, including Atlanta United.
Thiago Almada (Atlanta United): Almada’s technical skill, playmaking, and vision have been key to Atlanta United’s competitive performances in recent years. He has developed into one of the league’s most exciting young talents, capable of scoring goals from midfield and creating chances for his teammates.
Gonzalo Higuaín (Inter Miami): Before his retirement in 2023, Gonzalo Higuaín provided Inter Miami with a strong attacking presence. His contributions, particularly in the 2021 match against Atlanta, were key to Miami’s first-ever victory over Atlanta. Higuaín’s leadership in the forward line was instrumental during the early stages of the rivalry.
Josef Martínez (Atlanta United): Despite some injury setbacks, Josef Martínez remains one of Atlanta United’s most potent attackers. His ability to score goals and link up with teammates has been crucial in Atlanta’s offensive setup, particularly during high-pressure matches against teams like Inter Miami.
The Future of the Rivalry: Expectations for 2024-2025
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 MLS season, the rivalry between Atlanta United and Inter Miami is expected to continue to grow. The presence of global stars like Messi, combined with the youthful energy of players like Almada and Green, makes each encounter between these two teams a potential classic.
As Inter Miami strengthens its squad and continues to develop under Messi’s leadership, Atlanta United will be motivated to challenge the new powerhouse in MLS. This will make their upcoming encounters more thrilling, as both teams strive for dominance in one of the most exciting leagues in the world.
FAQ’s
What can fans expect in future matchups?
As the 2024-2025 MLS season continues, the rivalry between Atlanta United and Inter Miami is expected to grow even more intense. With Messi’s leadership and the continued development of young talent like Thiago Almada and Tiago Martins, these matchups will continue to draw attention from fans across the world. Expect high-level performances, thrilling moments, and plenty of drama as both teams look to establish themselves as top contenders in MLS.
What has been the overall result between Atlanta United and Inter Miami?
Up until 2024, Inter Miami has made significant strides in the rivalry, particularly after the arrival of Lionel Messi. While Atlanta United dominated early meetings, Miami has enjoyed better success in recent encounters, largely due to Messi’s influence. The all-time head-to-head between the teams stands at 3-3-1, with each team claiming victories, draws, and one loss.
To Conclude,
The rivalry between Atlanta United and Inter Miami has already produced some memorable moments in MLS history. From the first meeting in 2020 to the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023, the timeline of these encounters has evolved significantly. With the 2024-2025 season now in full swing, fans can expect more exciting matchups and player performances that will further define this rivalry. The history, the stars, and the passion of both teams ensure that every Atlanta United vs Inter Miami match will be one to remember for years to come.
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