Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Hailed By Fans After MLS Cup Playoff Win vs. Atlanta United

Lionel Messi assisted on Jordi Alba's game-winning goal en route to Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Friday in the first game of the best-of-three first round.

Inter Miami outshot Atlanta United 22-8 (12-2 shots on goal). They also possessed the ball 65.7 percent of the match and had 12 corner kicks to Atlanta United's four.

But the match was tied at one entering halftime.

Luis Suárez got Inter Miami on the scoreboard first in the second minute.

Messi nearly put his team up 2-0 in the 29th minute but hit the post. The ball bounced to Marcelo Weigandt, who fired another shot. However, Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan was there for the tremendous save.

Ten minutes later, Saba Lobjanidze put Atlanta on the board after a through ball from Pedro Amador.

A spirit Atlanta United effort would fall short, though, with the Alba goal proving to be the difference.

Messi didn't score a goal, but he still fared well all things considered.

Fans were impressed with Messi and Inter Miami's performance.

Atlanta United will now host Inter Miami for Game 2 on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. ET. An Inter Miami win sends the team into the Eastern Conference semifinals against the winner of the Orlando City SC vs. Charlotte FC series. A loss brings the series back to Miami for the third-and-final match on Saturday, Nov. 9.