Oct 26, V7N- Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba scored to give Inter Miami a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United in the opening game of their MLS Cup playoff series on Friday, marking the start of Miami's first playoff run in the Lionel Messi era. A win in the second game of the best-of-three series on November 2 in Atlanta would secure Miami's spot in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Miami made a quick impact as Suarez, assisted by his former Barcelona teammate Alba, slotted home in the second minute. Alba's assist came after he linked up with Diego Gomez, who found Suarez for the close-range finish. Miami, as the top seed and playoff favorites, dominated possession early on, keeping Atlanta's keeper Brad Guzan busy. Messi nearly added a goal, testing Guzan multiple times, but the experienced keeper kept Atlanta in the game.

Injuries took a toll on Atlanta, with winger Brooks Lennon and defender Stian Gregersen both subbing off in the first half. However, Atlanta managed to equalize in the 39th minute with Saba Lobzhanidze's well-placed shot into the bottom corner after a clever pass from Pedro Amador. Atlanta nearly took the lead before halftime when Alexey Miranchuk set up Jamal Thiare, but Thiare’s attempt went wide.

The game continued with both sides creating chances, but Miami's breakthrough came in the 60th minute. Messi took a short corner, passing to Alba, who was left unmarked outside the box. The Spanish defender blasted a powerful 25-yard shot past Guzan, reclaiming the lead for Miami. Messi had a final chance to score in stoppage time, but Guzan came out quickly to deny him.

With this win, Miami is now one victory away from advancing to the next playoff round, with momentum in their favor for the upcoming game in Atlanta.

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