While Atlanta United had little trouble with CF Montréal on Wednesday, Saturday’s opponent will be a much tougher ask. Atlanta returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face Lionel Messi and an Inter Miami team that sits second in the East and has bounced back from a 0-4-1 run with a two-match winning streak. As was the case on Wednesday, a loss doesn’t officially eliminate Atlanta from playoff contention, but it could set up the inevitable for next Saturday’s match against the Chicago Fire.
The scoop on Inter Miami
14-5-10, 52 points, 2nd in East
Last result: W 2-0 vs. New York City FC (October 14)
Under new head coach Kily González, Inter Miami was on a disappointing run by their lofty standards. It started with a 2-2 draw against Atlanta at Nu Stadium that saw the Five Stripes come back from two goals down. They went on to draw their next three after that before losing at the Columbus Crew 2-1. Over their last two matches, though, the Herons have looked more like themselves. Messi and Luis Suárez had a brace each — with Germán Berterame adding a pair of assists — in a 4-0 win over D.C. United. Messi had an assist during Miami’s 2-0 win against NYCFC on Wednesday that clinched a playoff spot for the South Florida outfit.
As it is every time Miami steps on the field, it’s all about the man wearing No. 10. Though he has played his final match with Argentina, his club career rolls on. Messi’s 23 goals and 14 assists likely put him as the frontrunner for an unprecedented third straight MLS MVP. He’ll also likely finish with a second consecutive Golden Boot, making him the first player in MLS history to do so.
Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami injuries, availability
Atlanta United – Will Reilly is the only player out for Atlanta United as he continues to deal with an ankle injury.
Inter Miami – Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti are both out for the season with long-term injuries. Yannick Bright (foot) came off in the first half against the Columbus Crew on September 27 and hasn’t played since. Fricio Caicedo (lower body) is out as well.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-3-3)
Score Prediction: Atlanta United 0-2 Inter Miami
Atlanta United’s struggles at home will continue on Saturday. Messi and co. get the better of them to put them on the brink of elimination. (Although, Atlanta’s beaten much stronger Miami teams, so…)