Breel Embolo Scores 87' Penalty in MLS Debut to Earn Atlanta 2-2 Draw at Miami

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo converted a late penalty to secure a 2-2 draw for Atlanta United against Inter Miami on Saturday.

Breel Embolo converted an 87th-minute penalty on his MLS debut to secure a 2-2 draw for Atlanta United against Inter Miami on Saturday. The Switzerland striker, who joined the club from French side Stade Rennais for a reported $18 million fee last month, beat goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair from the spot to cancel out a second-half lead held by the hosts. The result denied a Miami squad featuring Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul three points at home, while providing a crucial result for Gerardo "Tata" Martino’s struggling Atlanta side.

Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Casemiro headed home a corner delivered by Messi. This marked the second consecutive game with a goal for the Brazilian international, who was deployed out of position at center back. Atlanta responded quickly in the 35th minute after Casemiro diverted a cross toward his own net; though St. Clair blocked the initial own-goal attempt, Miguel Almirón capitalized on the rebound to level the score at 1-1.

Scoring Summary and Key Contributions

Luis Suárez restored the Miami lead later in the match, recording his 12th goal of the season. However, the home side could not maintain the advantage. Before Embolo’s successful equalizer, Almirón had a chance to score from the penalty spot following a foul by Casemiro, but St. Clair saved the attempt. Embolo eventually took over penalty duties to provide the final 2-2 scoreline.

Lionel Messi entered the contest following his announcement of retirement from international duty with Argentina. While he did not add to the four goals he recorded in last week’s 7-1 victory over CF Montreal, his assist for Casemiro’s header brought his total to 30 goal contributions in MLS this season. Messi nearly secured a win in the closing moments, but two late shots were stopped by blocks from the Atlanta defense.

Embolo’s Return to Action

Saturday’s appearance was the first competitive match for Embolo since the World Cup quarterfinals. In that international fixture, the striker was controversially sent off before Switzerland was eliminated by Argentina in extra time. His debut goal in Miami served as his first professional action since that tournament exit.

Casemiro’s performance included both the opening goal and the foul that led to Atlanta's first penalty opportunity. Despite his offensive contribution, his defensive role at center back saw him involved in the sequence leading to Almirón’s 35th-minute strike. St. Clair finished the night with one penalty save against Almirón but was unable to stop Embolo’s late strike.

Tactical Context at Inter Miami

The match featured Gerardo "Tata" Martino facing his former club, as he now leads the Atlanta United sidelines. Miami was unable to replicate the dominant form shown in their previous seven-goal performance against Montreal, despite the presence of their high-profile Argentine duo. The draw leaves Miami sharing points after conceding the lead twice during the 90 minutes of play.