"Where Messi?" "Low IQ team" - Inter Miami fans left fuming as late goal sees Lionel Messi's side lose to Atlanta United
Lionel Messi failed to inspire Inter Miami as they stuttered to a 2-1 defeat against Atlanta United in the MLS Playoffs Round One at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, November 2. The Herons headed into the game on the back of a 2-1 win over the same opposition in the previous game.
David Martinez opened the scoring for the Herons in the first half (40') with a controversial goal, which was ultimately cleared by VAR. However, the home side retaliated after the break. Derrick Williams leveled the score in the 58th minute, with Atlanta piling on the pressure in the second half.
When it looked like the game would end 1-1, Xande Silva scored the winner for the home side in the fourth minute of injury time. Fans understandably were frustrated with the developments and took to social media to vent their anger.
One was very critical of the Inter Miami team, posting:
"Garbage low IQ team"
Another pointed out that the Herons could find it thought at next year's FIFA Club World Cup, quipping:
"Pessi dunked on by Atlanta smh. Infantino better give us the easiest group in the Club World Cup"
One demanded that the diminutive Argentinean be removed from the team, stating:
"Throw pessi out of team"
Another was unimpressed by Inter Miami's backline, commenting:
"your team"
Yet another was unimpressed by Lionel Messi's performance, quipping:
"Where messi?"
The MLS Play Off First Round best-of-three series is now tied at 1-1. Inter Miami next face Atalanta in the third and final game of Round One on Saturday, November 10, at the Chase Stadium.
How did Lionel Messi perform for Inter Miami against Atlanta?
Lionel Messi started the game against Atlanta in attack, alongside Luis Suarez and Diego Gomez. While the Argentinean failed to inspire Inter Miami to a win, he had a decent outing.
The 37-year-old registered five key passes in the game and had four shots. He completed two successful dribbles and was fouled thrice. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner attempted 58 passes in the game, with an 86.2% success rate.
Lionel Messi might have missed out on a place in the 30-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or, but he has enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Herons so far. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has registered 22 goals and 13 assists from 24 games across competitions for the Florida-based side this season.