Late Weigandt Winner Lifts Inter Miami Over Atlas in Dramatic 2-1 Victory

Alonso Contreras
Aug 1
2 min read

By Alonso Contreras

Miami, FL — On a humid night in South Florida, Inter Miami CF left it late, but Marcelo Weigandt’s 96th-minute goal sealed a thrilling 2-1 win over Liga MX side Atlas FC in an intense and often testy encounter. The Argentine right back delivered the decisive blow with virtually the last kick of the match, firing home from the center of the box after a pinpoint assist from Lionel Messi.

A Scoreless First Half Full of Sparks

Despite the goalless opening 45 minutes, the first half had no shortage of action. Both sides exchanged jabs, with Inter Miami’s attacking trio of Messi, Suárez, and Allende threatening early. Allende had two dangerous headers go over the bar (8’, 15’), while Suárez rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike in stoppage time (45+4').

Atlas, for their part, were resilient and aggressive. Eduardo Aguirre and Uros Djurdjevic each had chances, but Rocco Ríos Novo stood firm in Miami’s goal, making a series of vital saves, including a leaping stop on Arturo González in the 45+3’ minute. The opening half ended 0-0, but tensions flared, with yellow cards shown to Matheus Dória and Jorge Rodríguez for rough challenges.

Second Half Explodes with Goals

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 58th minute. Lionel Messi, who had been orchestrating much of the play, slotted a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Telasco Segovia, who made no mistake from close range, rifling a right-footed shot into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 for Miami.

Atlas, however, responded with purpose. After forcing a handful of corners and near chances, they were rewarded in the 80th minute. Rivaldo Lozano, who had been a constant menace, latched onto a loose ball and sent a left-footed shot past Ríos Novo to equalize. It was a deserved goal for Atlas, who had refused to sit back despite trailing.

Messi’s Magic Moment, Weigandt the Hero

As the match appeared destined for a draw, Lionel Messi once again made the difference. In the dying seconds of stoppage time (90+6’), Messi danced past a tired Atlas midfield and spotted Weigandt’s run from deep. The pass was inch-perfect, and Weigandt—who had been solid defensively all night—kept his composure to send a low drive into the bottom left corner past Camilo Vargas.

The goal ignited wild celebrations at Chase Stadium, with Inter Miami players mobbing their unlikely hero. For Weigandt, it was his first goal in Miami colors—a dramatic one that sealed the club’s spot at the top of their group in international competition.

Match Highlights:

58’ – Goal: Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami) – Right-footed finish from Messi’s assist (1-0).
80’ – Goal: Rivaldo Lozano (Atlas FC) – Left-footed strike into the right corner (1-1).
90+6’ – Goal: Marcelo Weigandt (Inter Miami) – Right-footed finish assisted by Messi (2-1).

Key Performers:

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Two assists, constant threat, and decisive in build-up play.
Rocco Ríos Novo (Inter Miami): Multiple crucial saves, commanding presence in goal.
Rivaldo Lozano (Atlas FC): Goal scorer, won several fouls, Atlas’ most dangerous man.