Inter Miami live: Messi strikes as Atlanta wilt under first-half pressure at Chase Stadium

Lionel Messi has Inter Miami live and on top in Fort Lauderdale, his 38’ curler separating the sides after a dominant pink start. Status — Live on Saturday, October 11, 2025 (matchday 33). See kickoff and verification times below; we’re tracking minute-by-minute with fresh updates and context from the ground.

Score & Status — Inter Miami live

• Status: Live (1st half, ~42’)

• Score: Inter Miami 1–0 Atlanta United

• Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kickoff (Time Zones)

• USA (ET) — Sat, Oct 11, 7:30 PM

• USA (PT) — Sat, Oct 11, 4:30 PM

• Canada (Toronto) — Sat, Oct 11, 7:30 PM

• UK (London) — Sun, Oct 12, 12:30 AM

Live Timeline (Key Moments)

• 1’: Miami on the front foot immediately; Suárez has an early effort blocked from range.

• 8’: Corner Inter Miami; the pressure starts to stack as Atlanta struggle to clear their lines.

• 10’–12’: Two Messi testers from distance — one blocked, one saved by Hibbert — as the captain warms into rhythm.

• 16’: Stoppage — Stian Gregersen goes down for Atlanta; treatment required.

• 16’–17’: Atlanta forced into an early change: Salvatore Mazzaferro replaces Gregersen at center-back.

• 20’: Huge chance — Busquets slides Messi through; Hibbert races out to smother the chip.

• 31’: Alba to the byline, sustained pressure; another Miami corner.

• 33’: Messi’s free-kick just clears the bar.

• 35’: Suárez drags a left-footer wide after Alba’s cutback.

• 38’: GOAL — Inter Miami 1–0 Atlanta United. Messi shifts onto his left inside the right channel and lasers into the top left. Baltasar Rodríguez with the assist.

• 41’: Atlanta reminder — Latte Lath forces Rocco Ríos Novo into a save; Miami still in control heading toward the break.

Standout Performers & Turning Points

• Lionel Messi: On the ball constantly; three shots before the breakthrough and the clinical 38’ finish.

• Sergio Busquets: The metronome; progressive passing split Atlanta’s lines (notably the 20’ through ball).

• Jordi Alba: Advanced positioning and overlaps have hemmed Atlanta in; several crosses and the 35’ assist angle for Suárez.

• Rocco Ríos Novo: Sharp stop on Latte Lath at 41’ to protect the lead.

• Turning point: Gregersen’s early injury disrupted Atlanta’s back line; Miami exploited the reshuffle with relentless right-side combinations.

Lineups & Shape (confirmed)

• Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): GK Ríos Novo; RB Weigandt, CB Avilés, CB Luján, LB Alba; CM Busquets, CM Bright; RW Rodríguez, AM Messi, LW Allende; ST Suárez.

• Atlanta United (4-3-3): GK Hibbert; DF Berrocal, CB Gregersen (17’ Mazzaferro), DF Amador, DF Cooper Sanchez; MF unit compact; FW line of Leo Afonso, Latte Lath, Thiaré pressing in transition.

Match Stats (live snapshot)

(Full numbers updating in-game; Miami clearly ahead on territory, shots, and box entries.)

What It Means — Inter Miami live

With the lead and the run of play, Inter Miami are strengthening their grip near the top of the East heading into the final stretch, while an undermanned Atlanta chase a result to lift a tough season. If this holds, Miami bank momentum, Messi nudges the Golden Boot chatter, and Tata Martino’s side edges closer to a high playoff seed. Atlanta, meanwhile, need cleaner progression and set-piece joy after the interval to tilt the narrative.

For Upcoming Matches

• Form (last 5): Miami trending up with strong home results; Atlanta uneven, defensive lapses costly.

• Injuries/Suspensions: Atlanta’s early injury forced a back-line change; Miami monitoring minutes amid international call-ups.

• Where to watch: MLS Season Pass (broadcast details vary by region).

• Prediction (pre-kickoff view): Miami by one. The Messi-Suárez axis plus Alba’s width to out-create Atlanta’s retooled defense.