Lionel Messi scored twice to spark Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, seizing the lead in Major League Soccer's scoring table in a key victory for the Florida club.&nbsp;The Argentine superstar scored his 25th and 26th goals of the season, moving ahead of Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga in the race for the Golden Boot after starting the day tied with the Gabon international on 24 goals.&nbsp;Miami, already assured of an MLS Cup playoff berth, continued their push for better playoff position.&nbsp;They pulled level with Cincinnati on 62 points in the Eastern Conference, four points behind leaders Philadelphia, who have clinched the Supporters Shield as the team with the best regular season record in the league.&nbsp;Messi's 39th-minute strike to open the scoring was a beauty.&nbsp;Baltasar Rodriguez robbed an Atlanta defender and found Messi just outside the box. Messi strode forward and curled a left-footed shot around Pedro Amador and out of the reach of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert in the upper left corner of the net.&nbsp;Hibbert had denied Messi in the 13th minute as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner came up empty on a string of early attempts.&nbsp;Messi was instrumental in Jordi Alba's goal that doubled Miami's lead in the 52nd minute, lofting a ball forward to the Spaniard, who chipped a left-footed shot over Hibbert into the bottom right corner of the net.&nbsp;Alba's sixth goal of the season came on the day that Inter paid tribute to the former Spain and Barcelona star, who announced this week that he would retire at the end of the MLS season.&nbsp;Uruguay's Luis Suarez made it 3-0 in the 61st minute and Messi added his second in the 87th, knocking in a left-footed shot from the center of the box after Alba found him with a long through ball.&nbsp;With MLS playing through the FIFA international window, Messi's status for Inter's match remained a mystery until shortly before kickoff when manager Javier Mascherano announced his lineup.&nbsp;Messi and Rodrigo De Paul had trained with Argentina this week in Florida, although Messi was a spectator as Argentina beat Venezuela 1-0 in a friendly at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday.&nbsp;De Paul came on as a late substitute against Venezuela and was unavailable for Inter, who had six players called up for international duty during the current window, which will also see Argentina play Puerto Rico on Monday in a match moved from Chicago to Inter's Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Messi's Inter Miami, already assured of an MLS Cup playoff berth, continued their push for better playoff position.

Lionel Messi scored twice to spark Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, seizing the lead in Major League Soccer's scoring table in a key victory for the Florida club. The Argentine superstar scored his 25th and 26th goals of the season, moving ahead of Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga in the race for the Golden Boot after starting the day tied with the Gabon international on 24 goals. Miami, already assured of an MLS Cup playoff berth, continued their push for better playoff position. They pulled level with Cincinnati on 62 points in the Eastern Conference, four points behind leaders Philadelphia, who have clinched the Supporters Shield as the team with the best regular season record in the league. Messi's 39th-minute strike to open the scoring was a beauty. Baltasar Rodriguez robbed an Atlanta defender and found Messi just outside the box. Messi strode forward and curled a left-footed shot around Pedro Amador and out of the reach of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert in the upper left corner of the net. Hibbert had denied Messi in the 13th minute as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner came up empty on a string of early attempts. Messi was instrumental in Jordi Alba's goal that doubled Miami's lead in the 52nd minute, lofting a ball forward to the Spaniard, who chipped a left-footed shot over Hibbert into the bottom right corner of the net. Alba's sixth goal of the season came on the day that Inter paid tribute to the former Spain and Barcelona star, who announced this week that he would retire at the end of the MLS season. Uruguay's Luis Suarez made it 3-0 in the 61st minute and Messi added his second in the 87th, knocking in a left-footed shot from the center of the box after Alba found him with a long through ball. With MLS playing through the FIFA international window, Messi's status for Inter's match remained a mystery until shortly before kickoff when manager Javier Mascherano announced his lineup. Messi and Rodrigo De Paul had trained with Argentina this week in Florida, although Messi was a spectator as Argentina beat Venezuela 1-0 in a friendly at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday. De Paul came on as a late substitute against Venezuela and was unavailable for Inter, who had six players called up for international duty during the current window, which will also see Argentina play Puerto Rico on Monday in a match moved from Chicago to Inter's Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Messi's Inter Miami, already assured of an MLS Cup playoff berth, continued their push for better playoff position.

Miami’s Messi leads race for MLS Golden Boot with brace in win over Atlanta

Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba were on target as Inter Miami made a winning start to the first MLS Cup playoff campaign of their Lionel Messi era with a 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Friday.

Miami could book their place in the Eastern Conference semi-finals if they can win game two of the best-of-three series in Atlanta on November 2.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/isl-bengaluru-bag-southern-rivalry-bragging-rights-with-exceptional-3-1-victory-against-kerala-blasters-770791">ISL: Bengaluru bag Southern rivalry bragging rights with exceptional 3-1 victory against Kerala Blasters</a>

Inter, the top seed and favourites in the playoffs, made an electric start to the game with Suarez firing them ahead in the second minute when his former Barcelona team-mate Alba found Diego Gomez and the Paraguayan slipped the ball to Suarez who made no mistake from close range.

Atlanta qualified through a wildcard game in Montreal on Tuesday and they were slow out of the blocks as Miami dominated possession and gave visiting keeper Brad Guzan a busy opening half.

Alba fed Messi, whose sweetly struck, first-time shot forced the 40-year-old keeper into a fine, diving save.

Atlanta suffered a blow when right winger Brooks Lennon had to go off in the 21st minute and five minutes later Messi threatened again with his effort from 25-yards forcing another save from Guzan.

A minute later, Miami should have doubled their lead from a corner but David Martinez headed against the post with the goal at his mercy.

Messi then hit the post with an attempt to beat Guzan at his near post and a thundering follow-up shot from&nbsp; Marcelo Weigandt had the former Aston Villa keeper at full stretch.

Atlanta's problems continued with defender Stian Gregersen forced off with a muscle injury but just when it seemed everything was conspiring against them they got back on level terms in the 39th minute.

Pedro Amador played a clever little pass to find Georgia winger Saba Lobzhanidze inside the box and his first-time, left-foot shot flashed into the far bottom corner.

The visitors then had a glorious chance to go in with a lead at the break when Russian Alexey Miranchuk carved out a lovely ball through to Jamal Thiare but his shot lacked composure and was well wide.

The unique format of the first round of MLS's playoff, which go straight to penalties if the games are level after 90 minutes, would have given Atlanta hope that they could pull off an upset.

But their determined efforts were undone on the hour when they fell asleep at a Miami corner -- after a short-corner Messi played the ball across to Alba, who was left in acres of space outside the box.

The Spanish full-back gratefully accepted the invitation and unleashed a fierce drive from 25-yards out which flew past the helpless Guzan.

Messi had a chance to get on the scoresheet in stoppage time but he was denied by Guzan who raced out quickly to smother the shot.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba were on target as Inter Miami made a winning start to the first MLS Cup playoff campaign of their Lionel Messi era with a 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Friday.

Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba were on target as Inter Miami made a winning start to the first MLS Cup playoff campaign of their Lionel Messi era with a 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Friday. Miami could book their place in the Eastern Conference semi-finals if they can win game two of the best-of-three series in Atlanta on November 2. ALSO READ: ISL: Bengaluru bag Southern rivalry bragging rights with exceptional 3-1 victory against Kerala Blasters Inter, the top seed and favourites in the playoffs, made an electric start to the game with Suarez firing them ahead in the second minute when his former Barcelona team-mate Alba found Diego Gomez and the Paraguayan slipped the ball to Suarez who made no mistake from close range. Atlanta qualified through a wildcard game in Montreal on Tuesday and they were slow out of the blocks as Miami dominated possession and gave visiting keeper Brad Guzan a busy opening half. Alba fed Messi, whose sweetly struck, first-time shot forced the 40-year-old keeper into a fine, diving save. Atlanta suffered a blow when right winger Brooks Lennon had to go off in the 21st minute and five minutes later Messi threatened again with his effort from 25-yards forcing another save from Guzan. A minute later, Miami should have doubled their lead from a corner but David Martinez headed against the post with the goal at his mercy. Messi then hit the post with an attempt to beat Guzan at his near post and a thundering follow-up shot from Marcelo Weigandt had the former Aston Villa keeper at full stretch. Atlanta's problems continued with defender Stian Gregersen forced off with a muscle injury but just when it seemed everything was conspiring against them they got back on level terms in the 39th minute. Pedro Amador played a clever little pass to find Georgia winger Saba Lobzhanidze inside the box and his first-time, left-foot shot flashed into the far bottom corner. The visitors then had a glorious chance to go in with a lead at the break when Russian Alexey Miranchuk carved out a lovely ball through to Jamal Thiare but his shot lacked composure and was well wide. The unique format of the first round of MLS's playoff, which go straight to penalties if the games are level after 90 minutes, would have given Atlanta hope that they could pull off an upset. But their determined efforts were undone on the hour when they fell asleep at a Miami corner -- after a short-corner Messi played the ball across to Alba, who was left in acres of space outside the box. The Spanish full-back gratefully accepted the invitation and unleashed a fierce drive from 25-yards out which flew past the helpless Guzan. Messi had a chance to get on the scoresheet in stoppage time but he was denied by Guzan who raced out quickly to smother the shot. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba on scoresheet for Inter Miami in win over Atlanta United in MLS Cup playoffs

Atlanta United beat Montreal 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out on Tuesday after their MLS Cup wild card game ended 2-2 to set up a first round playoff clash with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. Atlanta, who snuck into the wild card round on the final day of the regular season, led 2-0 at the break but two goals from their former striker Josef Martinez forced the game into the shoot-out.

Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan saved Montreal's second spot kick from English midfielder Tom Pearce which proved to be the only unsuccessful kick of the shoot-out.

The clash in a 'best of three' series with Miami, starting on Friday in Florida, will pit Atlanta against Gerardo Martino, Miami's Argentine coach who guided Atlanta to their first title in 2018.

The visitors grabbed the lead against the run of play when after a patient, 45-pass move, Pedro Amador crossed from the left and Brooks Lennon arrived at the back post to score with a diving header.

Lennon then had a great chance to add a second when Saba Lobzhanidze whipped in a low cross to the unmarked winger but from point blank range he put his shot over the bar.

But Atlanta struck again, exposing Montreal's weakness on crosses, when Russian international Alexey Miranchuk whipped in a free-kick to the back post which was headed home by Norwegian Stian Gregersen.

Lobzhanidze could have made it 3-0 after the interval but the Georgian's shot was smothered by Montreal keeper Jonathan Sirois.

Montreal got a foot back into the game thanks to an awful error from the 40-year-old former USA international keeper Guzan, who spilled a routine cross from Pearce which Martinez pounced on to fire home.

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But the ex-Aston Villa keeper made some amends for that error getting down well to push away a low effort from George Campbell and a well-struck Pearce free-kick.

But Montreal got a lifeline in the final minutes when Lennon brought down Kwadwo Opoku on the edge of the box and after a VAR review, the initial free-kick award was changed to a penalty.

Martinez kept his cool to drill home the spot-kick and his team-mates did the same in the shoot-out to earn themselves a clash with Miami.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Atlanta United beat Montreal 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out on Tuesday after their MLS Cup wild card game ended 2-2 to set up a first round playoff clash with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.

Atlanta United beat Montreal 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out on Tuesday after their MLS Cup wild card game ended 2-2 to set up a first round playoff clash with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. Atlanta, who snuck into the wild card round on the final day of the regular season, led 2-0 at the break but two goals from their former striker Josef Martinez forced the game into the shoot-out. Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan saved Montreal's second spot kick from English midfielder Tom Pearce which proved to be the only unsuccessful kick of the shoot-out. The clash in a 'best of three' series with Miami, starting on Friday in Florida, will pit Atlanta against Gerardo Martino, Miami's Argentine coach who guided Atlanta to their first title in 2018. The visitors grabbed the lead against the run of play when after a patient, 45-pass move, Pedro Amador crossed from the left and Brooks Lennon arrived at the back post to score with a diving header. Lennon then had a great chance to add a second when Saba Lobzhanidze whipped in a low cross to the unmarked winger but from point blank range he put his shot over the bar. But Atlanta struck again, exposing Montreal's weakness on crosses, when Russian international Alexey Miranchuk whipped in a free-kick to the back post which was headed home by Norwegian Stian Gregersen. Lobzhanidze could have made it 3-0 after the interval but the Georgian's shot was smothered by Montreal keeper Jonathan Sirois. Montreal got a foot back into the game thanks to an awful error from the 40-year-old former USA international keeper Guzan, who spilled a routine cross from Pearce which Martinez pounced on to fire home. Also read: UCL: Vinicius Junior hat-trick saves Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund, Aston Villa go top But the ex-Aston Villa keeper made some amends for that error getting down well to push away a low effort from George Campbell and a well-struck Pearce free-kick. But Montreal got a lifeline in the final minutes when Lennon brought down Kwadwo Opoku on the edge of the box and after a VAR review, the initial free-kick award was changed to a penalty. Martinez kept his cool to drill home the spot-kick and his team-mates did the same in the shoot-out to earn themselves a clash with Miami. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Atlanta United beat Montreal in shoot-out, to face Lionel Messi-starrer Inter Miami in MLS playoffs

Inter Miami rested Lionel Messi and suffered their first defeat since the Argentine joined the club, with a 5-2 hammering at Atlanta United damaging their playoff hopes on Saturday.

Messi had not made the trip to Atlanta, after a busy run of games since making his Miami debut in late July.

Miami coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino said after the loss that Messi had been suffering from "muscle fatigue" and that it would have been "very reckless to bring him to play this game".

The 36-year-old sat out Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday but watched his team-mates from the bench.

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With no Messi last week, Miami defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-2 but this time it was a very different story for Martino's team.

Miami went ahead in the 25th minute with a superbly taken goal from in-form Ecuadorean striker Leonardo Campana .

But the response from Atlanta, sixth in the Eastern Conference, was emphatic with three goals in the space of eight minutes.

A glancing header from French midfielder Tristan Muyamba, which struck the inside of the post, was ruled to have crossed the line by the assistant referee.

Five minutes later, Atlanta had the lead when Brazilian winger Xande Silva dribbled to the byline and his pull-back was turned into his own net by Miami defender Kamal Miller.

Miami's defence, without former Spain international left-back Jordi Alba, were reeling and Brooks Lennon added the third in the 44th minute with a sweetly struck shot.

Miami got back in the game in the 54th minute through a Campana penalty but while they have made a habit of comebacks with Messi, there was no such revival this time.

As they pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Atlanta caught them on the counter with Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis slotting home his 14th goal of the season, bringing him level with Nashville's Hany Mukhtar joint top scorer in MLS.

Another well-worked break resulted in the fifth in the 89th minute with Lobjanidze again the creator, setting up Tyler Wolff to blast home.

Miami remain next to bottom of the Eastern Conference, six points behind D.C United who occupy ninth place, the last playoff spot.

Martino defended the decision to leave Messi and Alba - who he said also had muscle fatigue - at home ahead of a busy run of games with league matches on Wednesday and Sunday before the US Open Cup final on September 27.

"We risked worse consequences if they came to play this game. It has nothing to do with the (artificial) surface," said the coach.

<h2>Comebacks</h2>

Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati, already assured of a post-season berth, battled back for a 2-2 draw at last year's MLS Cup runners-up the Philadelphia Union.

A Jose Martinez goal and a penalty from Daniel Gazdag had put Philadelphia in command but the impressive Aaron Boupendza pulled a goal back for Cincinnati, in the fourth minute of the second half.

The visitors grabbed a point when Boupendza found Brandon Vazquez with a magnificent low ball and the USA striker found the net.

In-form Orlando City produced an even more impressive comeback at home to Columbus, winning 4-3 after trailing 3-1.

Ramiro Enrique levelled in the 86th minute with an opportunist strike and then won the game in the seventh minute of stoppage time, taking advantage of chaos in the Crew defence.

Earlier the 'Hudson River derby' between New York City and New York Red Bulls ended goalless.

Later on Saturday, Los Angeles FC host cross-city rivals L.A. Galaxy in their derby.

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Inter Miami rested Lionel Messi and suffered their first defeat since the Argentine joined the club, with a 5-2 hammering at Atlanta United damaging their playoff hopes on Saturday.

Inter Miami rested Lionel Messi and suffered their first defeat since the Argentine joined the club, with a 5-2 hammering at Atlanta United damaging their playoff hopes on Saturday. Messi had not made the trip to Atlanta, after a busy run of games since making his Miami debut in late July. Miami coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino said after the loss that Messi had been suffering from "muscle fatigue" and that it would have been "very reckless to bring him to play this game". The 36-year-old sat out Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday but watched his team-mates from the bench. Also Read: Premier League: Brighton thump Man Utd as Man City come from behind; Spurs come from behind With no Messi last week, Miami defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-2 but this time it was a very different story for Martino's team. Miami went ahead in the 25th minute with a superbly taken goal from in-form Ecuadorean striker Leonardo Campana . But the response from Atlanta, sixth in the Eastern Conference, was emphatic with three goals in the space of eight minutes. A glancing header from French midfielder Tristan Muyamba, which struck the inside of the post, was ruled to have crossed the line by the assistant referee. Five minutes later, Atlanta had the lead when Brazilian winger Xande Silva dribbled to the byline and his pull-back was turned into his own net by Miami defender Kamal Miller. Miami's defence, without former Spain international left-back Jordi Alba, were reeling and Brooks Lennon added the third in the 44th minute with a sweetly struck shot. Miami got back in the game in the 54th minute through a Campana penalty but while they have made a habit of comebacks with Messi, there was no such revival this time. As they pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Atlanta caught them on the counter with Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis slotting home his 14th goal of the season, bringing him level with Nashville's Hany Mukhtar joint top scorer in MLS. Another well-worked break resulted in the fifth in the 89th minute with Lobjanidze again the creator, setting up Tyler Wolff to blast home. Miami remain next to bottom of the Eastern Conference, six points behind D.C United who occupy ninth place, the last playoff spot. Martino defended the decision to leave Messi and Alba - who he said also had muscle fatigue - at home ahead of a busy run of games with league matches on Wednesday and Sunday before the US Open Cup final on September 27. "We risked worse consequences if they came to play this game. It has nothing to do with the (artificial) surface," said the coach. Comebacks Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati, already assured of a post-season berth, battled back for a 2-2 draw at last year's MLS Cup runners-up the Philadelphia Union. A Jose Martinez goal and a penalty from Daniel Gazdag had put Philadelphia in command but the impressive Aaron Boupendza pulled a goal back for Cincinnati, in the fourth minute of the second half. The visitors grabbed a point when Boupendza found Brandon Vazquez with a magnificent low ball and the USA striker found the net. In-form Orlando City produced an even more impressive comeback at home to Columbus, winning 4-3 after trailing 3-1. Ramiro Enrique levelled in the 86th minute with an opportunist strike and then won the game in the seventh minute of stoppage time, taking advantage of chaos in the Crew defence. Earlier the 'Hudson River derby' between New York City and New York Red Bulls ended goalless. Later on Saturday, Los Angeles FC host cross-city rivals L.A. Galaxy in their derby. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Inter Miami, sans Lionel Messi, crushed 5-2 by Atlanta United in MLS

Atlanta United FC used a distinctly Latin flair to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final on Saturday, beating Portland Timbers 2-0 to bring the city a rare professional sporting trophy.

In just their second year in the league, Atlanta capped off a spectacular rise by taking the final step in front of 73,000-plus festive fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Their starting 11 included five South Americans, not least 2018 MLS most valuable player (MVP) Josef Martinez, who opened the scoring in the 39th minute with his 35th goal of the season.

The prolific Venezuela striker received the ball unexpectedly on the edge of the box when defender Michael Parkhurst disposed Portland's Jeremy Ebobisse with a perfectly-timed tackle.

Martinez rounded goalie Jeff Attinella and calmly slotted home to settle the nerves of the crowd, the largest in league history for a non-double-header.

Martinez also had an assist in the second goal early in the second half.

When a free kick was swung into the penalty area, he rose to send a glancing header to full back Franco Escobar, who ghosted in at the far post to score from point-blank range.

Martinez was substituted to a raucous reception in the 75th minute, and was later named the game's MVP.

The victory provided a perfect send-off for Atlanta coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, who is leaving to take charge, according to multiple media reports, of the Mexico national team.

It also provided some consolation for team owner Arthur Blank, whose National Football League Falcons lost the Super Bowl two years ago after surrendering a huge lead.

Goalie Brad Guzan spoke of the significance of the title in a city that has only ever celebrated one championship in any of the four major team sports leagues -- baseball's Atlanta Braves in 1995.

"First and foremost it's huge for the city. These fans have been behind us since day one," Guzan told Fox Sports.

"For me personally, this is up there with the top moments. You never know if you're going to have this opportunity again."

Guzan said the team had expected Portland to sit deep.

"We knew at times we were going to have a lot of possession. It was a matter of finding the first goal and opening them up.

"As they say, goals change games. That made them change their game plan," added the 34-year-old who had been little more than a spectator until that first goal.

He was finally called into action in the 43rd minute when he sharply saved a header from Ebobisse, who from just six yards out squandered a golden chance at redemption.

But the Timbers otherwise created precious little, unable to add to their 2015 championship.

Atlanta United FC used a distinctly Latin flair to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final on Saturday, beating Portland Timbers 2-0 to bring the city a rare professional sporting trophy.

Atlanta United FC used a distinctly Latin flair to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final on Saturday, beating Portland Timbers 2-0 to bring the city a rare professional sporting trophy. In just their second year in the league, Atlanta capped off a spectacular rise by taking the final step in front of 73,000-plus festive fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Their starting 11 included five South Americans, not least 2018 MLS most valuable player (MVP) Josef Martinez, who opened the scoring in the 39th minute with his 35th goal of the season. The prolific Venezuela striker received the ball unexpectedly on the edge of the box when defender Michael Parkhurst disposed Portland's Jeremy Ebobisse with a perfectly-timed tackle. Martinez rounded goalie Jeff Attinella and calmly slotted home to settle the nerves of the crowd, the largest in league history for a non-double-header. Martinez also had an assist in the second goal early in the second half. When a free kick was swung into the penalty area, he rose to send a glancing header to full back Franco Escobar, who ghosted in at the far post to score from point-blank range. Martinez was substituted to a raucous reception in the 75th minute, and was later named the game's MVP. The victory provided a perfect send-off for Atlanta coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, who is leaving to take charge, according to multiple media reports, of the Mexico national team. It also provided some consolation for team owner Arthur Blank, whose National Football League Falcons lost the Super Bowl two years ago after surrendering a huge lead. Goalie Brad Guzan spoke of the significance of the title in a city that has only ever celebrated one championship in any of the four major team sports leagues -- baseball's Atlanta Braves in 1995. "First and foremost it's huge for the city. These fans have been behind us since day one," Guzan told Fox Sports. "For me personally, this is up there with the top moments. You never know if you're going to have this opportunity again." Guzan said the team had expected Portland to sit deep. "We knew at times we were going to have a lot of possession. It was a matter of finding the first goal and opening them up. "As they say, goals change games. That made them change their game plan," added the 34-year-old who had been little more than a spectator until that first goal. He was finally called into action in the 43rd minute when he sharply saved a header from Ebobisse, who from just six yards out squandered a golden chance at redemption. But the Timbers otherwise created precious little, unable to add to their 2015 championship.

Atlanta United win MLS Cup after defeating Portland in final

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Miami’s Messi leads race for MLS Golden Boot with brace in win over Atlanta

Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba on scoresheet for Inter Miami in win over Atlanta United in MLS Cup playoffs

Atlanta United beat Montreal in shoot-out, to face Lionel Messi-starrer Inter Miami in MLS playoffs

Football: Inter Miami, sans Lionel Messi, crushed 5-2 by Atlanta United in MLS

Atlanta United win MLS Cup after defeating Portland in final