The match began with a kick to Guzan, Atlanta United’s goalkeeper. Just 24 minutes into the game, the ball bounced off Atlanta’s post, and seconds later a clean goal by Campana followed leaving Inter Miami up 1 – 0. All was well for Miami but something was missing. Their star player–the one, the only, Lionel Messi.
The massive disappointment was a shared experience for all attending Messi fans despite their team. “We bought the tickets anticipating Messi’s presence and when I found out he wasn’t there, the reality was very upsetting,” said sophomore Ryan Hutchison.
The atmosphere of the match was a mix of disappointment, outrage, and excitement. Amongst the traditional red and black emerged pops of pink and black. The sign of Inter Miami fans in Mercedes-Benz Stadium–a new occurrence–can only be explained by Messi’s signing with the team. Prior to Messi joining the club in July, Inter Miami was not a strong name in Major League Soccer. The Argentinian World Cup winner has turned the team around, which was clear in this game despite his absence. Messi has been a driving force for Miami’s success this season and this game revealed that reliance.
While there was a tremendous amount of disappointment in the air, almost all United fans were excited to see familiar faces back on home turf. There was a warm welcome for returning player, Joseph Martinez, who was a major player for the club prior to his ACL injury in 2020, as well as Atlanta’s former coach Gerardo Martino, both of whom are now playing and coaching for Inter Miami. Management has been a critical factor in Miami’s success, Martino’s coaching in particular. “Everyone was really excited to see Martinez and Martino return but I still wish Martinez had ended his time in Atlanta on a better note,” said Ricky Zaneiski, a junior North Atlanta soccer player who attended the game. “It was the best MLS game I have ever seen.”
It was the second half when the chants started. The thunderous sound of “We want Messi! We want Messi!” could be heard from every point in the stadium. Even after the game, Messi fans’ chants could be heard in the Marta Stations beneath the city, still coming from the Mercedes-Benz.
Although the game started off with an upsetting reality, it was a memorable game filled with exhilaration and victory for Atlanta United. The final score was 5 – 2, differing greatly from their last game when Miami won 4 – 0. Who knows? Maybe with Messi, it would have ended very differently for United fans. However, there is no doubt that the world-class champion’s absence led to great disappointment for his Warrior fans.
