Inter Miami Romps Past Atlanta 4-0 Messi And Taylor Pocket A Brace Each In Leagues Cup

Drv Pnk Stadium- The magical transformation continued for Inter Miami CF on Tuesday night when Lionel Messi and Robert Taylor each bagged a brace and an assist to lead the squad to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in Leagues Cup play. Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi made their first starts for Miami since arriving, and their impact was immediate and immense.

Kick Off

The Starting XI for Miami was supercharged with the presence of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, two of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport.

Starting XI for #InterMiamiCF has the heavy artillery with #Messi𓃵 Busquets & Martinez on the pitch …#MLS #LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/9N65iUoxfK

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) July 25, 2023

Messi marked his territory by making his presence felt with an early goal for Miami in the 8′ minute of play. Sergio Busquets lobbed a wonderful ball over the United defense to a charging Messi. Lionel took two touches and attempted a left-footed shot that clanged off the goalpost, and he tapped in the rebound with his right foot. Miami led 1-0.

Lionel #Messi magic… #InterMiamiCF #MLS #LeaguesCup2023 https://t.co/ZKDCDb7BGx

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) July 25, 2023

The early score startled Atlanta, and before they could react, Messi put his second goal past Brad Guzan with a subtle right-footed tap into the corner. Lionel began the action with a fierce charge forward, where he sent a pass to Robert Taylor on his left flank. Taylor served a cutting pass that Lionel finished with class. Miami was up 2-0 in the 22′ minute, and it seemed like the rout was coming.

GO OFF, LEO MESSI.

A 20-minute brace for @InterMiamiCF's star man. pic.twitter.com/vzrDobOFRc

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 26, 2023

Atlanta United had no answer for Busquets’ dominance in the midfield nor for Messi’s magic on the pitch, and before the half was over, Miami got on the scoreboard again.

ROBERT TAYLOR BANGER 🚨

Cremaschi with the flick on to Taylor to give us a three goal lead in the 44th minute🤯#MIAvATL | 3-0 pic.twitter.com/8T4ttw5vaY

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 26, 2023

Roberto Taylor bazooka launched a left-footed rocket past Brad Guzan for the 3-0 Inter Miami lead in the 44′ minute. Benjamin Cremaschi tapped a cheeky pass for Taylor, who just finished it masterfully.

The second half did not begin much better for Atlanta, as Lionel Messi gifted Taylor an assist on his second goal in the 52′ minute. An errant Atlanta pass ended at the feet of the world’s best player, and he made them pay.

Leo Messi gets his first Inter Miami assist 🎁

(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/fOdWwaiRKs

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 26, 2023

Miami was running away with the match, and Atlanta looked hapless to stop them until Chris Mcvey gave United an opportunity to ruin the clean sheet with a penalty infraction in the 84′ minute. On this charmed night, Super Drake Callender blocked Thiago Almada’s shot to preserve the 4-0 final score.

HE'S OUR KEEPER 🗣️🧤🧤🧤 pic.twitter.com/VkrRs9Sx2S

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 26, 2023

Postgame Press Conference

After a 4-0 thrashing of Atlanta United for Inter Miami’s second victory in a row, I asked Coach Tata Martino if the fans can feel hopeful for the rest of the season. I specifically asked Martino about the US Open Cup, the Leagues Cup, and the possibility of making up a big points deficit to qualify for MLS playoffs.

As we said, we are going to make an attempt as long as we have hope [a chance] we are going to make an attempt…The most difficult is to qualify for playoffs because we are against the clock, but we are surely going to attempt it.

I asked Tata if these back-to-back victories give the fans hope that #InterMiamiCF can compete for trophies in #USOC2023, #LeaguesCup, & possibly the #MLS title despite being far out of a playoff spot…Martino said they will fight for everything until the end… pic.twitter.com/sIMTdhWDgd

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) July 26, 2023

Busquets and Messi have not only inspired the players on the team, but they have provided hope for the fanbase. This team could theoretically turn a wretched season around and win three trophies. It is improbable but not impossible, even more so when Messi and Busquets are on your team.

Final Thoughts

The Messi Effect is bigger than the Butterfly Effect. Just the announcement of Messi coming to Miami changed the landscape of world fútbol instantly. The focus has been on Inter Miami and the MLS since then, and the seismic changes that can occur in the US for the sport are countless, especially in regard to changes within the MLS rules.

MLS has the responsibility of seizing the moment to help the league evolve and grow into a top league worldwide. In order to do so, they must facilitate the acquisition of top talent by the teams in a less restrictive manner.

Messi and Busquets instantly gave Inter Miami a leap in class on the pitch. These two fútbol phenoms have taken the mantle and lessened the burden for everyone else on the team. It is evident in the free-flowing style of the Herons and in the creativity displayed confidently by teammates.

Not only must the MLS and the team owners seize the moment, but so must the fanbase, especially in Miami. Greatness doesn’t land on your pitch often and is even rarer when it’s the Goat of fútbol. Let’s enjoy the magical ride Messi and Friends are about to embark on; take advantage of this magnificent moment in time.

Photo Credit: Jon Von Woerden