Atlanta United scored big on Saturday, September 16, with a 5-2 win over Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). But the real highlight of the evening wasn’t just the goals; it was Atlanta United’s cheeky dig at Lionel Messi, who had recently returned to Miami after international duty with Argentina.
The match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium started with Inter Miami taking the lead in the 25th minute, courtesy of a goal by Leonardo Campana. However, Atlanta United didn’t stay behind for long. Tristan Muyumba equalized the score in the 36th minute, and the team seized the lead in the 41st minute when Kamal Miller scored an own goal. Just before halftime, Brooks Lennon added another goal, making it 3-1 in favor of Atlanta United.
Campana wasn’t done yet, though. He converted a penalty in the 53rd minute, completing his brace and giving Inter Miami a glimmer of hope. But Atlanta United had other plans. Giorgos Giakoumakis (76′) and Tyler Wolff (89′) netted two more goals, sealing the deal with a resounding 5-2 victory.
It was a game filled with action, excitement, and drama, but the real drama unfolded off the field. Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s star player, was notably absent from the match. He had just returned to Miami and, on the day before the game, posted an Instagram story featuring himself enjoying a pizza piled high with tomatoes from a local outlet in Miami.
Atlanta United’s Playful Jab at Messi: The Delicious Victory
Atlanta United, clearly reveling in their victory, took to Twitter to share their playful jab at Messi. They posted a picture of a pizza with tomatoes carefully arranged in the shape of an ‘L,’ symbolizing a loss. The caption read, “Here you have your pizza for the trip.” It was a light-hearted but clever way of acknowledging Messi’s absence and poking fun at their opponent.
Acá tienen su pizza para el viaje 🍕✌️ pic.twitter.com/qwKrWTHCHt
— Atlanta United Fútbol Club (@VamosATLUTD) September 16, 2023
While Messi didn’t make an appearance on the field, Inter Miami felt his absence, as this defeat marked their first since his arrival in the summer. Despite his superstar status, the team currently finds itself in 14th place in the Eastern Conference table of the MLS, with 28 points.
As the MLS season continues, fans can expect more thrilling matches, surprising twists, and, undoubtedly, more social media banter
Atlanta United’s victory wasn’t just about the goals; it was a statement of their prowess on the field and their sense of humor off it. With their pizza-themed jest, they not only celebrated their win but also added a sprinkle of humor to the competitive spirit of the MLS. It was a reminder that in the world of sports, sometimes it’s not just about the game; it’s about the banter and camaraderie that makes it all the more enjoyable for fans and players alike.
In the grand scheme of things, Atlanta United’s playful jab at Lionel Messi was a reminder that sports can be more than just wins and losses; it’s about the shared moments and stories that emerge from the competition. While the pizza-shaped ‘L’ may have teased Messi’s absence, it also showcased the lighthearted side of the game.
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As the MLS season continues, fans can expect more thrilling matches, surprising twists, and, undoubtedly, more social media banter. After all, it’s these moments that keep the soccer world engaged and eagerly anticipating the next kickoff, both on and off the pitch. Atlanta United’s victory was not only a win but a playful reminder that soccer, at its core, is a celebration of passion, teamwork, and the occasional slice of humor.
