Has Inter Miami really become the chosen one as MLS’ pet project? First, after the Herons lifted the Supporters’ Shield, they surprisingly got the nod from FIFA to secure their 2025 Club World Cup spot. Many argued that even MLS wasn’t sure whether they’d be sending the regular season or the Champions Cup winners. Now, the latest admission from Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan ahead of Playoff Game 3 suggests that Lionel Messi and Co. are even getting favored in the domestic league.

During the lengthy pre-match press conference, the 40-year-old was made aware of the conspiracy theories surrounding the fact that Miami typically takes longer to return to the pitch to resume the second half. Interestingly, before responding to the question, Guzan chuckled and asked the journalists whether the referees or MLS have ever disciplined Messi and Co. for the same. After hearing a succinct “no”, the goalkeeper began, “The referee told us at the start of the second half that it goes in the [complaint] report but he even said the league does nothing.”

However, Guzan eventually accepted that there is nothing Atlanta United can do other than bear with it. “Listen, we can only control ourselves in terms of our application, in terms of how we approach the game, in terms of how we perform and deal with situations as they come up in the game,” he said, insisting there’s any point to make it a matter of concern.

“[We] can’t worry about the referee, can’t worry about conspiracy theories and whatnot. At the end of the day, it’s going to be 11v 11 in their stadium and we’ve got to go down and try and find a way to win,” concluded Guzman, insisting that the team believes in winning the game rather than feeling affected by the opposition’s on or off pitch antics. Indeed, a smart approach from Atlanta United, which makes it evident that they are ready to go to any lengths to mar Miami’s night once again.

Atlanta United looks to be on a mission against Inter Miami despite biases

The first meeting between the two teams saw a similar 2-1 victory for Inter Miami. The Supporters’ Shield champions took an early lead, with Luis Suarez scoring just two minutes into the match. While Atlanta equalized before halftime, Jordi Alba netted the decisive goal for Tata Martino’s side shortly after the hour mark. In contrast, the most recent matchup on Saturday, November 2, saw Tata Martino’s team suffer an unexpected 2-1 loss to Rob Valentino’s squad.

Despite taking the lead with a goal from David Martinez just before halftime, Atlanta’s remarkable second-half comeback featured goals from Derrick Williams and Xande Silva, with Silva scoring a stoppage-time winner. Now, both sides are level in terms of the result, but it all comes down to Game 3 of the playoff, where either team has a chance to secure a win.

The biggest question at present is: Can Atlanta United manage to stun Inter Miami on their own soil for the second consecutive time? What do you believe will happen? Share your thoughts in the comments.