Embolo’s Late Penalty Earns Atlanta United Draw at Inter Miami

Breel Embolo announced himself in Major League Soccer with an 87th-minute penalty as Atlanta United recovered twice to draw 2-2 with Inter Miami on Saturday, denying Lionel Messi and his teammates a home victory.

Embolo delivers on Atlanta debut

The Switzerland forward, signed from Stade Rennais for a reported $18 million last month, stepped up after Miguel Almirón had earlier failed to convert from the spot. Embolo sent Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair the wrong way to secure a valuable point for an Atlanta side seeking momentum.

It was a notable first MLS appearance for Embolo, whose previous match had been Switzerland’s World Cup quarter-final against Argentina. He was sent off in controversial circumstances before Argentina progressed after extra time.

Atlanta, led by former Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, had to withstand a late push from the hosts. Messi had two opportunities to find a winner in stoppage time, but Atlanta defenders made crucial blocks to preserve the draw.

Casemiro scores but suffers difficult defensive spell

Miami had taken the lead in the 32nd minute when Casemiro headed in Messi’s corner, scoring for the second consecutive game. The Brazilian, operating at centre-back rather than in midfield, was also involved in Atlanta’s response three minutes later.

• Casemiro’s attempted intervention on an Atlanta cross sent the ball towards his own goal.
• St. Clair prevented the own goal, but Almirón reacted first to turn the rebound in for 1-1.
• Luis Suárez later restored Miami’s advantage with his 12th goal of the campaign.
• Casemiro then conceded the first Atlanta penalty, which St. Clair saved from Almirón.
• Atlanta were awarded another spot-kick late on, with Embolo taking responsibility and converting.

Messi’s corner for Casemiro also moved him to 30 MLS goal contributions this season. It was his first match since confirming his retirement from Argentina duty, and followed the four goals he scored in last week’s 7-1 win over CF Montreal.

Miami dispute late penalty decision

Inter Miami interim manager Guillermo Hoyos strongly disagreed with the award of the second penalty, arguing that his side had been in control before the decision changed the match.

Hoyos said Miami did not believe the spot-kick should have been given and felt the call disrupted the team’s concentration during a key 20-to-30-minute period. While accepting that errors can happen, he said such decisions carry significant consequences for a side’s position in the game, particularly when television footage is available for review.

Miami ultimately had to settle for a point despite their attacking pressure and Messi’s late attempts, while Embolo left his first MLS outing with the decisive contribution for Atlanta.