Atlanta United Battles Back for 2-2 Draw Against Messi's Inter Miami

Atlanta United salvaged a point at Nu Stadium on Friday night, fighting to a 2-2 draw against a Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami side that came in red-hot off a 7-1 win over CF Montreal. The match was delayed more than 90 minutes by heavy rain and lightning that flooded the pitch before kickoff, pushing the 7:30 p.m. start well into the night. Once play got underway, Messi factored directly into Inter Miami's offense again, picking up two assists to extend his league-leading scoring involvement this season — he now sits at 18 goals and 9 assists, two goals clear of FC Dallas' Petar Musa for the MLS scoring lead. Despite facing one of the league's most dangerous attacks on the road, Atlanta United held on for the draw rather than folding, clawing back after Inter Miami threatened to pull away. The result keeps Atlanta competitive in a season that's been a grind, while Inter Miami stays second in the Eastern Conference at 42 points through 22 matches.