Tristan Muyumba and Brooks Lennon each scored first-half goals as Atlanta United also took advantage of an own goal to earn an impressive 5-2 victory Saturday over victory Inter Miami, who were without Lionel Messi. Despite the loss, Leonardo Campana's sombrero flick to goal combination in the first half to open the scoring was an absolute masterclass. Check it out below.
LEO. CAMPANA.
Lionel Messi’s MLS playoff debut was a success, with the Argentine star delivering on and off the pitch. This time, he took his stardom to the world of TikTok.
Inter Miami wins first-ever MLS playoff match; cruises past Atlanta United
Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 2-1 to win their first-ever MLS playoff match in Fort Lauderdale's Chase Stadium on Friday.
The former FC Barcelona duo comprised of Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba delivered the pair of goals that put Miami closer to the next round. Messi also provided an assist.
After clinching MLS playoff berths with regular-season-ending wins on Saturday, CF Montreal and Atlanta United will square off in the Eastern Conference's wild-card match on Tuesday.
Marco Reus had a goal and an assist in his MLS debut after entering the game just beyond the hour mark, and the LA Galaxy pulled away for a 2-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United on Saturday night.
Watch: Marco Reus LA Galaxy debut goal and assist
Reus — in his first action since completing a move from his longtime German club Borussia Dortmund — entered in the 62nd minute, set up Riqui Puig's go-ahead goal in the 76th and scored off a rebound on his own miss in the 84th.
Dax McCarty plans to retire at the end of the 2024 season, his 19th in Major League Soccer.
The 37-year-old McCarty signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in January, featuring an option for the 2025 season. But he won't be using that option.
Dax McCarty retiring
Put this clip into the MLS Hall of Fame.
During the match between St. Louis CITY and Atlanta United this Saturday — a game that saw both teams divide points following a 1-1 draw — a refereeing decision helped by the VAR, announced to the entire stadium, had fans wishing they had not celebrated the call so early. You need to see this.
Watch: Referee trolls fans with Video Review announcement in St. Louis CITY-Atlanta United
Atlanta United striker Giōrgos Giakoumakīs is set to move to Mexico's Cruz Azul on a $10 million transfer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic.
Giōrgos Giakoumakīs to join Liga MX's Cruz Azul, according to reports
The reports indicated that an agreement was reached but the deal was not finalized.
Giōrgos Giakoumakīs to Cruz Azul, here we go! Deal in place for $10m guaranteed fee.
Medical test and travel due to take place next week.
Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis was named the 2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year on Thursday.
An immediate impact in the ️.
Newcomer of the Year: Giorgos Giakoumakis. pic.twitter.com/AyHGq9slod— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2023
Some Major League Soccer fans weren’t pleased to hear the news that Lionel Messi was one of three finalists for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award. While the Argentine World Cup winner dominated headlines, he only made six MLS appearances.
Messi joins Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis and St. Louis City midfielder Eduard Löwen as the finalists for the newcomer award.
Here’s a brief overview of the three players’ MLS stats this season.
Giakoumakis
NEWCASTLE — A rampant Newcastle United put in a stellar showing to secure a superb 4-1 victory over French champions Paris Saint-Germain in their first Champions League home match in 20 years on Wednesday.
In a red-hot atmosphere in the north east, PSG had no answer to the relentless hosts who raced into a 17th-minute lead through former MLS star Miguel Almirón.
SUPER MIGGY!