Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United score: Lionel Messi, Herons win MLS playoff opener

Inter Miami wasted no time kicking off the playoffs on the right foot defeating Atlanta United 2-1 on Friday at Chase Stadium. Atlanta United came prepared ending the half level but in the 60th minute of play, Jordi Alba delivered a strike from outside the box to put Miami ahead and they wouldn't lose that advantage to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. The next match will be at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. ET. With another victory, the Herons will advance to the semifinals of the MLS Cup playoffs.

After already winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new MLS single-season points record, the expectation is for Inter Miami to march to the final but teams like Atlanta have learned how to play them during the season. The Five Stripes have been able to defeat the Herons once while earning a draw during the regular season but in the playoffs, that's when the stars come out in full force and no team has brighter stars than the Herons. 

It was a topsy-turvy first half where Luis Suarez only needed two minutes to score the opening goal but Saba Lobzhanidze was able to level the score. This is after Brooks Lennon and Stian Gregerson had to be withdrawn due to injury but like Atlanta has done all season, they adjusted to stay in the Game. Manager Rob Valentino was able to adjust shifting the formation with the introduction of Luis Abram and Noah Cobb to deal with the Miami onslaught but it wouldn't be enough.

You don't set a points record by not being able to break down a low block and it may have taken 22 shots for Miami to get their two goals in the match, that was all they needed as Drake Callender and the defense did their jobs. Now, they'll need to keep the momentum going heading into a hostile environment but after everything Tata Martino's men have endured, they'll be able to get the job done. 

Learning to play without Lionel Messi while he was injured has made this a stronger team overall. Diego Gomez was able to grow on the wing leading to his assist on the opening goal. Suarez found his scoring touch but at the end when it mattered, Messi found Alba for the eventual winner. The Herons will need more of the same to win MLS Cup, but they have many ways to defeat the opposition.