MLS: Inter Miami Suffer First Defeat Since Messi’s Arrival

• Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi absent from the matchday squad, suffered their first defeat since his arrival, losing 5-2 to Atlanta United
• Atlanta United secured the victory with goals from Georgios Giakoumakis and Tyler Wolff, ending Miami’s 12-game unbeaten streak

Inter Miami suffered their first defeat since Lionel Messi’s arrival, falling 5-2 to Atlanta United on Saturday.

Messi did not play in the game because he was not included in the matchday squad.

In the first half, Tristan Muyumba, Brooks Lennon, and an own goal by Kamal Miller gave the hosts a comfortable lead.

Atlanta won with goals from Georgios Giakoumakis and Tyler Wolff in the second period. After the win, they are now sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Miami’s 12-game unbeaten streak in all competitions ended as Leonardo Campana scored twice.

Messi and Jordi Alba were excused from the game by Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino due to “muscular fatigue.”

Osimhen to battle Messi, Haaland, De Bruyne for 2023 Best FIFA Player award

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen will headline a 13-man shortlist for the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2023.

The Nigerian international, who has scored a total of 31 goals to help
clinch the Serie A title and reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League last season, was the only African player on the list of nominees for the 2023 FIFA Men’s Player Award released on Thursday by the world soccer governing body.

The list is dominated by Manchester City FC’s 2022-23 treble-winning squad, while coach Pep Guardiola was also nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach alongside four of his peers.

Osimhen has established himself as one of Europe’s deadliest marksmen. His outstanding goal-scoring statistics have not gone unnoticed to the eyes of Europe’s wealthiest clubs, with the likes of Manchester United, Bayern, and Chelsea all expressing an interest in acquiring his services shortly.