Lionel Messi lost a record that dates back to May 2021 as his Inter Miami side were defeated 3-1 by Atlanta United in the MLS on Wednesday.
Messi has been enjoying a strong first full season in the United States, as Inter Miami sit top of the Eastern Conference after 17 matches and have scored more points than any other side in the MLS so far.
The Argentine has been bolstered by the signings of his former Barcelona teammates, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who have all made big impacts for Miami.
However, Messi remains the main man having scored 11 goals and registered nine assists in just 10 starts.
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Despite their impressive run of eight games unbeaten which has included seven wins, Miami fell short at home against Atlanta losing 3-1 despite a great goal from Messi.
The home side fell 2-0 behind before a long-range effort from their number 10 reignited hope, however, despite the efforts of Messi the hope only lasted ten minutes before they conceded a third.
Despite scoring in the game, Messi actually lost a long-standing personal record in the defeat as it was the first time since the 16th of May 2021 that he had lost a club game he had scored in.The current Ballon d'Or holder last lost while scoring in another home defeat, as he captained Barcelona to a 2-1 loss against Celta Vigo.
The record demonstrates the insane impact Messi has on the clubs he plays for and that the goals he scores are the difference between winning and losing.
Messi did taste defeat during the 2022 World Cup after opening the scoring against Saudi Arabia in Qatar. However, the end result of the tournament probably helped him get over failing to carry the record over to the international stage.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS, Barcelona, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets
Tom Jenkins