Taylor and Messi may be the new duo that no one expected, as the Argentine assisted the 28-year-old on 53 minutes after they counter-attacked Atlanta. The visiting team had a chance to get a goal back late through their own Argentine hero, but Thiago Almada missed a penalty kick with five minutes to play. Messi was prolific with two goals and one assist, but defenders looked confused as they weren't sure whether to man mark the World Cup winner or not. With so much attention on Messi, it opened up space for his teammates whether he had the ball or not, proving right a concern that Apple TV analyst and former United States international Maurice Edu expressed during half time. "I think it's difficult from an Atlanta United standpoint," Edu said at halftime.

Source: Express July 26, 2023 12:32 UTC