India, March 17 -- Lionel Messi demonstrated his enduring prowess during Inter Miami's match against Atlanta United, scoring a remarkable goal that propelled his team to a 2-1 victory. Having fully recovered from his injury, Messi started the game and quickly made a significant impact. After Atlanta took an early lead with a goal in the 11th minute, Messi took it upon himself to equalize, skillfully chipping the ball over the goalkeeper's head.

Prior to this match, Messi had missed three games due to muscle fatigue but made a brief appearance off the bench in a 2-0 victory against Cavalier FC of Jamaica on Thursday. On Monday, he showcased his sharpness by intercepting the ball outside the penalty area, evading a defender, and executing a precise chip into the net, reminiscent of his illustrious days at FC Barcelona.

This match marked Messi's second start for Miami, which had already participated in eight matches due to the Concacaf Champions Cup.

In the closing moments of the game, Fafa Picault scored a decisive goal, securing the 2-1 win for Miami and placing them at the top of the Eastern Conference early in the season with three victories in four matches.

Both teams had numerous opportunities to score in the second half, but it was Picault's unexpected header that ultimately determined the outcome. Following a late, short corner kick, Jordi Alba delivered an outswinging ball to the back post, where Picault outmuscled Ajani Fortune and directed a header that caught Guzan off guard, finding the far left corner of the net. This marked Picault's first goal for his sixth MLS club, having joined Miami from Vancouver this offseason.

Messi will now have ample time to rest and regain full fitness ahead of Inter Miami's next match against Philadelphia Union on March 29.

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