Messi-less Inter Miami see unbeaten run end after Atlanta Utd thrashing | OneFootball

Lionel Messi was absent for Inter Miami’s trip to Atlanta United, where the hosts rounded out a thumping 5-2 win.

Scorers: Muyumba 36′, Miller 41′ (OG), Lennon 44′, Giakoumakis 76′, Wolff 89′; Campana 25′, 53′ (P)

Ahead of kick-off, Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank said they’d still win even if the visitors did bring their star man. But the hosts were made to work for their three points against Tata Martino’s side.

Leonardo Campana pulled off a brilliant solo goal thanks to some incredible close control skills for 1-0, suggesting maybe visitors didn’t need Messi.

However, in eight minutes, Atlanta United scored three unanswered goals to turn the game around completely.

The equalizer was controversial as Tristan Muyumba’s goal appeared not to cross the line completely, but without the appropriate technology, it stood.

Despite being shell-shocked, Campana made things interesting and turned things 3-2 from the penalty spot in the second half.

The pressure heated up for both sides (as well as tempers), but Inter Miami continued to be played off the pitch by Atlanta United.

Giorgos Giakoumakis went level at the top of the scoring charts with his 14th goal this season before Tyler Wolff piled on the misery with a fifth at the death.

MLS star Josef Martínez returned to face his former club for the first time but was surprisingly only given roughly 10 minutes to make a difference.

The result means Inter Miami’s 12-match unbeaten run is over, and they remain six points off a playoff spot.

Atlanta United, meanwhile, solidified their position in the top half of the Eastern Conference table and sit sixth.