Messi On Target As Miami Down Atlanta

Lionel Messi was on target as Inter Miami avenged last season's playoff exit to Atlanta United with a 2-1 win that sent them to the top of Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference standings on Sunday.

Veteran Haiti international Fafa Picault headed in the winning goal in the 89th minute to give Miami a precious victory that extended their unbeaten start to the season.

The win was also sweet revenge for Miami, who suffered a shock elimination to Atlanta in last season's playoffs despite in one of the greatest upsets in MLS history.

An end-to-end battle in front of 42,843 fans at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium looked set to finish in a draw after an outstanding goalkeeping performance from veteran Brad Guzan had kept Miami at bay throughout.

But Miami snatched victory at the death when the 34-year-old Picault was picked out by an inviting cross from former Barcelona star Jordi Alba.