Half-Space Overloads & Final-Third Precision: How Lionel Messi & Inter Miami Unlocked Atlanta’s Low Block
Messi’s 6 key passes and 1.18 expected assists power a 2-1 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs victory in Fort Lauderdale.
- Inter Miami completed 24 passes into the 18-yard box—the highest single-match mark of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
- Lionel Messi drifted into the right half-space to draw double-teams, freeing overlapping fullback Jordi Alba for the winning strike.
- Miami’s counter-press recovered possession within 6 seconds on 68% of central turnovers.



