Football

Atlanta United's dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday has reignited their MLS Cup hopes and dashed Lionel Messi's aspirations of leading the Florida club to glory.In a thrilling playoff encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta fought back from a 1-0 deficit to level the best-of-three series 1-1. Portuguese winger Xande Silva emerged as the hero, scoring a sensational winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.The match began with Inter Miami taking the lead through David Martinez in the 40th minute. A blunder by former US goalkeeper Brad Guzan allowed Federico Redondo to set up Martinez for an easy finish.Atlanta responded with a furious second-half onslaught, equalizing through Derrick Williams' header in the 58th minute. The game remained end-to-end, with both teams creating chances.In the dying moments, Atlanta launched a desperate attack. Aleksey Miranchuk found Silva, who buried a winner into the top corner."Words can't describe it," said Atlanta coach Rob Valentino. "They're such a resilient group. I said to the team before the game it's everybody together, it's not going to be one person. And then a substitute comes on and wins us the game."In other MLS playoff action, New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 3-1 to force a decisive game three in their first-round series. Alonso Martinez, Thiago Martins, and Santiago Rodriguez scored for New York, while Luca Orellano netted for Cincinnati.The winner-take-all game three between Atlanta United and Inter Miami will take place in Miami next Saturday. New York City FC will host FC Cincinnati in the decisive game of their series on the same day.

Major League Soccer (MLS) has shattered its previous attendance record, with over 11 million fans flocking to games this season. This milestone surpasses the 10.9 million fans who attended games in 2024, marking a significant achievement for the league.MLS has averaged an impressive 23,240 fans per game, breaking the 11 million-fan barrier for the first time. The league attributes this surge in attendance to the arrival of international stars like Lionel Messi, whose presence has prompted teams to move fixtures to larger stadiums."The arrival of international stars and the work from clubs to create more unique fan-friendly ticket packages and game day experiences are among the key drivers of the continued surge of record-breaking attendance across MLS," the league stated.This record-breaking tally comes with the regular season still ongoing. Sixteen more matches remain before the season concludes on October 19. The attendance numbers mark the third consecutive year that MLS has drawn more than 10 million fans.MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed his delight at the league's success, stating, "This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our clubs, players, and fans. We are committed to continuing to grow the game of soccer in North America and providing our fans with an unforgettable experience."The league's expansion into new markets and the addition of new teams have also contributed to the increased attendance. MLS currently has 29 teams across the United States and Canada, with plans to expand to 30 teams in the near future.

Lionel Messi's brace propelled Inter Miami to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the reigning MLS champions, the Columbus Crew, securing the Supporters' Shield for the best regular season record.Messi, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, came alive in the 45th minute. A long ball into the box found its way to the Argentine maestro, who chested it down and benefited from a fortunate bounce off Crew defender Malte Amundsen before poking the ball home.Just minutes later, Messi doubled Inter's lead with a stunning free-kick. Taking advantage of a poorly organized wall, he curled a laser-precision shot into the corner, leaving Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte rooted to the spot.However, Columbus refused to go down without a fight. Just 20 seconds into the second half, Diego Rossi pulled a goal back with a clever curling shot from inside the box.Straight from the restart, Miami gifted Columbus a third goal. Schulte rushed off his line but collided with defender Rudy Camacho, dropping the ball to Luis Suarez, who headed into the unguarded net.The Crew continued to battle and reduced the deficit to 3-2 through a Cucho Hernandez penalty after Noah Allen handled the ball in the box.But Miami's momentum was short-lived as Camacho was sent off for a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Federico Redondo.With seven minutes remaining, Columbus had a golden opportunity to equalize and deny Miami their celebration when a penalty was awarded for handball against Ian Fray after a VAR review. However, Hernandez's penalty was weak, and Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender made a diving save to preserve the victory.The MLS Cup playoffs will determine the ultimate champion, and a potential rematch between Eastern Conference rivals Inter Miami and the Columbus Crew could be on the cards.

Lionel Messi's equalizer rescued a point for Inter Miami in a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer on Saturday. Despite the setback, Miami remain atop the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield standings.Charlotte took the lead through Brandt Bronico's deflected shot in the 57th minute. Miami responded with urgency, and Messi equalized in the 67th minute with a left-footed drive into the bottom corner.Miami thought they had won a penalty in the 77th minute, but VAR overturned the decision. In stoppage time, Luis Suarez missed a golden opportunity to secure the win.Miami coach Gerardo Martino expressed frustration with the draw but acknowledged the team's progress. "We were a team that habitually lost for years, and now, we are a team that habitually wins," he said.Elsewhere, the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, New York City, LAFC, and Orlando City all clinched playoff berths.In the 'Hudson River derby,' New York City thrashed the New York Red Bulls 5-1, with Alonso Martinez scoring twice. Orlando City defeated FC Dallas 3-1, while LAFC secured their playoff spot with a 2-1 win at FC Cincinnati.

Inter Miami's pursuit of Major League Soccer's single-season points record hit a roadblock on Saturday as New York City FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw in the dying moments of injury time.Despite being assured of a playoff berth, Miami appeared poised to secure their 20th victory of the season when Lionel Messi assisted Ecuadorian international Leonardo Campana's 75th-minute goal at Yankee Stadium. However, with victory seemingly within reach, New York defender James Sands rose above the Miami defense to meet a Santiago Rodriguez corner in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time, sending a thunderous header past goalkeeper Drake Callender.The result dents Miami's hopes of surpassing New England's all-time single-season points tally of 73 set in 2021. The draw leaves Miami with 64 points from 30 games, meaning Gerardo Martino's team must earn nine points from their remaining 12 matches to equal the Revolution's record or 10 points to break it.Despite the late equalizer, Miami could have few complaints after New York deservedly earned a point from the early fixture. The hosts squandered several chances to take the lead, with Messi narrowly missing with a free-kick in the fourth minute and Rodriguez's free-kick rattling off the post in the 11th minute.Keaton Parks missed a golden opportunity to put New York ahead in the 47th minute, firing wide with the goal at his mercy. Miami capitalized on New York's profligacy 15 minutes from time when Messi found Jordi Alba in space, who squared the ball for Campana to tap in from close range.That goal seemed to have sealed the victory, but New York's late pressure paid off when Rodriguez's pinpoint corner allowed Sands to head home the equalizer.

Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to Inter Miami on Saturday night, leading the team to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union with two goals and an assist. The Argentine superstar, who had been sidelined since June due to national team commitments and an ankle injury, showed no signs of rust or lingering effects from the injury.Messi's first goal came in the 26th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 after Philadelphia had taken an early lead. He received a short pass near the large area, outmaneuvered Union defender Kai Wagner into the box, and converted a shot that landed inside the left post. Four minutes later, Messi received a crossing pass inside the box and beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a 15-yard shot.Luis Suárez also had a strong performance, assisting on Messi's first goal and clinching Miami's win with a strike on Messi's assist during second half stoppage time. It was Suárez's 17th goal of the season.Despite Messi's absence, Miami went 8-2 and clinched an MLS playoff spot. With the victory, Miami (19-4-5) took the lead in the Supporters Shield table with 62 points."It's nice to see that his injury has healed and that he's as effective as he was before," said Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel.Messi's return has boosted Inter Miami's hopes of making a deep playoff run. The team has been in impressive form this season, with Messi's contributions adding another dimension to their attack.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will miss Inter Miami's Leagues Cup knockout match against reigning MLS champion Columbus on Tuesday due to an ongoing right ankle injury. Messi sustained the injury during Argentina's Copa America final victory over Colombia a month ago and has not yet resumed training with his Miami teammates.The Leagues Cup is a tournament featuring MLS and Liga MX Mexican clubs, with Messi playing a pivotal role in Miami's inaugural title triumph last year. The showdown between Columbus, the 2022 MLS champions, and Miami, the current league leaders, is one of eight matches scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to determine the quarter-final pairings on Friday and Saturday.The round of 16 kicks off on Monday with the Seattle Sounders hosting Mexico's Pumas, a team they defeated in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final. Other knockout matches on Tuesday include Philadelphia at Cincinnati, Cruz Azul against Mazatlan, Tigres against New York City, Toluca at Colorado, Club America at St. Louis, and San Jose at Los Angeles FC.Messi's absence is a significant blow to Inter Miami's hopes of retaining their Leagues Cup title. The 35-year-old forward has been in impressive form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in 19 MLS appearances.Despite Messi's injury, Inter Miami remain confident in their ability to overcome Columbus and advance to the quarter-finals. The team has a strong squad featuring experienced players such as Gonzalo Higuaín, Blaise Matuidi, and Kieran Gibbs.The Leagues Cup provides a unique opportunity for MLS and Liga MX clubs to compete against each other in a meaningful tournament. The competition has grown in popularity since its inception in 2019 and is expected to attract a large audience this year.

Inter Miami extended their lead atop the MLS standings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire on Saturday, despite the absence of star forward Lionel Messi.Matias Rojas gave Miami an early lead in the sixth minute, but Rafael Czichos equalized for the Fire in the 73rd minute. Just two minutes later, former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba netted the game-winning goal for Inter Miami.The win marked Inter Miami's 16th in 25 games, taking their points tally to 53. They now hold a five-point advantage over second-placed FC Cincinnati, who suffered a 3-1 defeat at New York Red Bulls.In New York, Lewis Morgan's brace and Kyle Duncan's strike gave the Red Bulls a commanding 3-0 lead after 59 minutes. Corey Baird pulled one back for Cincinnati in the 67th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation.Meanwhile, Daniel Gazdag's hat-trick propelled Philadelphia Union to a 3-0 victory over Nashville. Gazdag's goals in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes kept Philadelphia within one point of Atlanta United for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.Atlanta United came from behind to defeat Columbus 2-1, thanks to Stian Gregersen's brace in the 60th and 77th minutes. Richie Laryea's 38th-minute goal earned Toronto a 1-0 triumph over Montreal.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, is expected to miss at least the next two matches for his Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami, due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final.According to Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, Messi suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle during Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia on Sunday. The team's medical staff has assessed the injury and determined that Messi's availability will be evaluated on a regular basis as he undergoes rehabilitation.Messi's absence is a significant blow to Inter Miami, who are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is scheduled to host Toronto FC on Wednesday night and Chicago on Saturday night.The 37-year-old Messi was forced to leave the Copa America final in tears after going down in the 64th minute. He immediately signaled to the Argentina bench and remained on the ground for several minutes before removing his right boot and slowly walking off the field. Cameras later captured him on the bench with a visibly swollen right ankle.In an Instagram post on Monday, Messi expressed optimism about his recovery and stated his hope to return to action soon. However, the severity of his ankle injury remains unclear, and it is possible that he could miss additional matches beyond the next two.Messi's injury is a reminder of the physical toll that international football can take on players, especially those who are approaching the end of their careers. The Argentine maestro has played over 1,000 professional matches for club and country, and his body is showing signs of wear and tear.Despite his injury, Messi remains one of the most influential players in the world. His presence on the field inspires his teammates and captivates fans. Inter Miami will hope that Messi can recover quickly and return to action as soon as possible to help the team achieve its goals in the MLS.