Inter Miami finds Lionel Messi replacement with Argentina star out against Atlanta United
Fans of Atlanta United and Inter Miami were disappointed not to watch Lionel Messi play on Saturday, but they were compensated by witnessing a moment of brilliance from his new teammate.
Leonardo Campana filled the vacuum left by Lionel Messi’s absence for Inter Miami with a brilliant play.
Prior to the weekend, the 23-year-old inked a contract extension with Miami that will keep him with the team through the 2027 season with an additional year option. Since Messi joined the team, the former Wolves striker has developed into a new player, and he has even displayed flashes of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner himself.
Campana opened the scoring against Atlanta United in MLS on Saturday evening, chesting the ball down and then flicking it over the head of defender Luis Abram and volleying home. It was a magical moment, but unfortunately for Miami they found themselves down 3-1 at half-time as Atlanta fought back.
The striker then pulled one back as he scored from the penalty spot — and is clearly brimming with confidence — before Miami conceded twice more to lose 5-2. It proved that Miami still has talent available when they’re being careful with Messi’s playing time, as he recently also sat out of their 3-2 win against Sporting Kansas City.