WATCH: Jordi Alba scores screamer from outside the box to help Lionel Messi's Inter Miami win against Atlanta United
Jordi Alba put on his best Lionel Messi impression and turned out to be the match winner for Inter Miami against Atlanta United. The Spanish left-back scored the goal that sealed a first win of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs for the Herons on Friday, October 25.
Following a stellar season which saw them break the MLS regular season points record, Inter Miami were drawn against Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs. The Herons have found it difficult to get going against this particular opposition this season, losing one and drawing one of two meetings during the regular season.
Atlanta United proved once more to be a tough nut to crack for the Supporters' Shield winners, matching them stride for stride for much of their game at the Chase Stadium. With the tie level at 1-1, it took a moment of pure brilliance from left-back Jordi Alba to decide the game.
The former Barcelona man received the ball from Lionel Messi after a short corner routine before taking aim and rifling an effort into the back of the net from 25 yards. The goal was his fifth in the MLS this season, having scored four times in the regular season for his side.
Alba's contribution to his side's first-ever MLS playoff win on home soil was enough to earn him Icon of the Match honors after the game. Inter Miami have got off to the best start possible in their best-of-three playoff against Atlanta United, who will now have to come from behind.
Atlanta United find themselves in a disadvantaged position as they lost the defensive duo of Brooks Lennon and Stian Gregersen to injuries in the first half of the game. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan had a terrific game, making eight saves, but he could do nothing about Alba's rocket.
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami off to flying start in MLS Cup playoffs
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami side got off to a flying start as they claimed a 2-1 win over Atlanta United in their playoff first-round clash. The Herons recorded a vital win in front of their fans to take a big step towards the second round.
Luis Suarez added to his 20-goal regular season campaign by scoring the opener for the Herons inside 90 seconds. The Uruguayan striker capitalized on a defensive turnover to fire a Diego Gomez pass into the back of the net.
Atlanta United pulled one back through Saba Lobzhanidze in the 39th minute despite losing two defenders to injury by the 34th minute. Inter Miami had the last laugh when Alba rifled home a brilliant shot to secure the win in the 60th minute. Guzan stopped Lionel Messi from finding the net in his playoff debut, but the Herons did enough to win.