Inter Miami vs Atlanta United

Inter Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference with 31 points, still chasing table-topping Nashville after a rough patch, while Atlanta United arrive rooted to the bottom of the East on just 11 points. Little separates them on paper for the standings, but pride and momentum are very much in play. Miami stumbled into this window, losing 4-1 at Nashville before salvaging a 2-2 draw at Philadelphia, a match in which Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the passing of his father. He's now up to 13 goals and nine assists on the season. Atlanta, by contrast, have quietly rediscovered form, winning back-to-back matches against New York Red Bulls and Minnesota United. Miguel Almirón, the club's all-time MLS assist leader, has driven the turnaround, with Tomás Jacob and Tristan Muyumba among the recent goal scorers. Historically this fixture has been tight, with Inter Miami holding just an 8-7 edge over Atlanta United in 19 meetings, with four draws. Our prediction: 2-1