Messi, FafarpiColary Intermiami Atlanta United, 2-1

Intermiami forward Lionel Messi (10) will fight against Atlanta United midfielder Bartosusuris in the first half of the Atlanta soccer match, the first half of the MLS soccer match in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Collin Hubbard)

ATLANTA – Lionel Messi scored early, and Fafa Picoe won the winner after a 2-1 win over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday night and a 2-1 win over Miami Intery.

Pico’s first goal this season was his second appearance in the 89th minute, assisting defender Jordi Alba (his second time). Messi got an equalizer in the 20th minute. It was his first goal in two starts this season.

Brooks Lennon earned his 200th career start and first career start of this season, making an immediate impact when he sent a cross pass to Emmanuel Lateras in the 11th minute.

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It was Lateras’ third goal in his fourth career start. Miguel Almiron also assisted. This is the second of the season and the 30th of his career. The goal ended the 195-minute drought.

This is Lennon’s 39th career assist to record club records, comparable to the Julian Gressel mark. Lennon saw action for the first time since he injured his shoulder against Intermiami in the playoffs last season. Atlanta United shocked the supporter’s Shield winner by winning a rubber match on the road 3-2 in their third best first-round series.

The combo was almost rewarded again in the 19th minute, but Lateras’ goal was abandoned for offside, and Messi was forced to make sales and turned it into a goal to tie it together a minute later.

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Rios Novo got his first start with Intermiami (3-0-1) and made three saves. Rios Novo started 15 times as a rookie last season in Atlanta.

Brad Guzan saved six shots (three by Messi) for Atlanta United (1-2-1).

Atlanta United will play FC Cincinnati on the road on Saturday. Intermiami remains idle until March 29th of the Philadelphia Union.