>[𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥™𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐚𝐦𝐒!]+ Inter Miami vs Atlanta United 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐕 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝟏𝟖 𝐒𝐞𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United FREE LIVE STREAM (9/18/24): Watch Messi play online | Time, TV, channel for MLS game

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will face the Atlanta United in an MLS game on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 (9/18/24) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

HOW TO WATCH: Fans can watch on Apple TV+, via a subscription to the MLS Season Pass.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: MLS game

Who: Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United

When: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

TV: N/A

Live stream: Apple TV+

Info for every MLS game:

Fans can watch every match on Apple TV+, via a subscription to the MLS Season Pass. It’s the only way to watch every MLS game. Select games will also be broadcast on FS1, which fans can stream on fuboTV or DirectTV stream, via free trials.

Here’s a recent AP story on Messi’s return:

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi made a successful return after a lengthy absence, scoring two goals and assisting on the third to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

The Argentine star winger and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had not played with Inter Miami since June 1 because of national team commitments and a right ankle injury sustained in a 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14.

“A little bit tired because of the heat and humidity of Miami but I wanted to return so much after such a long time away,” Messi said in Spanish on the Apple TV broadcast after the game. “I started training with the group and began to feel better.”

Messi, who resumed practicing three weeks ago, showed no rust or ill-effects from the injury with his performance. He scored twice in a four-minute span midway through the first half that negated an early goal by Philadelphia.

“What he did was more typical than other things that happened tonight,” Inter Miami coach coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said in Spanish. “I am happy that he finished the game and completed the 90 minutes. He felt fine.”

Without Messi, Miami went 8-2 and clinched an MLS playoff spot. Miami (19-4-5) also took the lead in the Supporters Shield table with 62 points.

“It’s nice to see that his injury has healed and that he’s as effective as he was before,” Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel said.

Luis Suárez had one assist and clinched Miami’s win with a strike on Messi’s assist during second half stoppage time. It was Suárez’s 17th goal of the season.

Messi’s first goal in the 26th minute evened it at 1-all. Suárez sent a short pass near the large area, where Messi retrieved it, outmaneuvered Union defender Kai Wagner into the box and converted a shot that landed inside the left post.

Four minutes later, Messi received a crossing pass inside the box and beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick with a 15-yard shot.

Suárez had a goal in the 44th minute overturned after a video review ruled an offside infraction.

“As the game progressed we ran the risk of not controlling the ball,” Martino said. “From the last 30 minutes of the first half we managed to handle the ball better.”

Messi’s mended ankle absorbed a kick by Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan in the 67th minute as both battled for a loose ball. Messi fell to the ground and favored the ankle but quickly stood and continued playing. Match referee Sergii Boiko assessed yellow cards to Sullivan and Martino, who argued for a stiffer infraction against Sullivan.

Seeking the equalizer, Philadelphia (7-12-9) pressured repeatedly throughout the second half before Messi centered a pass to Suárez and he converted from 18 yards.

Before his absence, the 37-year-old Messi had 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 league matches this season.

Fans barely settled in when Union forward Mikael Uhre stunned the home crowd with a goal two minutes into the match.

Messi had his first scoring opportunity in the seventh minute with a free kick near the half circle that was cleared by a wall of Philadelphia defenders.

For Inter Miami, the victory came with a price. Defender David Martinez left early in the first half because of a groin injury and his replacement Noah Allen also was removed after what Martino said was a blow to the head.

“We have to take it day by day and see how they recover and how they feel,” Martino said.

Both clubs continue league play with road matches on Wednesday. Inter Miami will visit Atlanta on Tuesday while the Union visit New York City FC on Tuesday.

 Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami live stream: MLS prediction, odds, how to watch Lionel Messi

Two of the more talented teams in the league meet on Wednesday, but they're headed in opposite directions

Inter Miami's march toward the Supporters Shield and chance of the MLS single-season points record marches on with a trip to face Atlanta United on Wednsday. Lionel Messi returned from his injury with a bang, scoring two goals and assisting another, but will he be risked in back-to-back matches?

It's clear that the Herons are better with Messi on the pitch but just coming back from an injury with three games in eight days makes things tough for manager Tata Martino. Atlanta United is a team that Miami would be able to defeat with a slightly rotated side but already missing players due to suspension, they'll need all the help they can get.

Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:

How to watch and odds

    Date: Wednesday, Sep. 18 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

    Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- Atlanta, Georgia

    Live stream: MLS Season Pass

    Odds: Atlanta United +170; Draw +280; Inter Miami +135

Storylines

Atlanta United: Coming into the match after a disappointing loss against Nashville SC, things won't get any easier for the Five Stripes. Fighting for a playoff spot, they're two points out of ninth place with time running out to make a run. Losing this match to Miami could be enough to derail Atlanta's season so they'll bring everything that they have.

Inter Miami: The Herons have already seen Luis Suarez set a new club record for goals in a season with 17 but he's not done with a chance for the MLS Golden Boot in his future. Tomas Aviles and Sergio Busquets are suspended due to yellow card accumulation which is why Miami may need to play Messi in a match that he would normally rest. It's good practice for the playoffs when they'll need their best players out there every match but his fitness will still need to be monitored.

Prediction

Already winning five consecutive matches, the Herons will keep their good form going with a big away victory. Pick: Atlanta United 1, Inter Miami 3.