“When you do things like that, you’re able to give yourself an opportunity” - Brad Guzan on what Atlanta United did to stun Lionel Messi's Inter Miami
Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan has opened up on how his side managed to beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the first round of the MLS playoffs. After winning the Supporters' Shield, Miami failed to double it up with the MLS Cup and were knocked out of the playoffs by Atlanta.
The two sides had registered a 2-1 win each in the first two games of the best-of-three series. In the decider at the Chase Stadium, Atlanta came from behind to stun Messi and Co. 3-2 and qualify for the next round.
Talking about how his side managed to upset the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Guzan told GOAL:
"Obviously [Miami] have a very good team with very good individuals who are extremely talented – best player in the world. And so we don't have that. And so how do we make up the difference?
"We make that up with working for each other, and defending and doing hard running and tackling. When you do things like that, you're able to give yourself an opportunity. And tonight, we were able to take those chances and finish it off."
Matias Roja had given Inter Miami the lead in the 17th minute of the decider on Saturday, November 9. But Jamal Thiare scored twice in two minutes shortly after to send Atlanta in front. Lionel Messi equalized for the home side in the 65th minute but Bartosz Silisz's 76th-minute strike sealed the deal for Atlanta.
How Lionel Messi fared for Inter Miami this season
Lionel Messi had a fruitful second season with Inter Miami, with the club adding a second silverware to their cabinet in the Supporters' Shield. Personally, Messi was heavily involved in Miami's success in the league phase, as they finished with the most points in the MLS.
The Argentine scored 20 goals in the league and 23 across competitions, on top of 13 assists (10 in the league). This put him joint third on the list of most goals and assists in the MLS this season.
Overall in 39 games for the club across competitions, Messi has so far scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists. He still has a year remaining on his contract with Inter Miami, so fans will see him in club action again next term.