Atlanta United’s Alexey Miranchuk may still be adjusting to life in MLS, but he’s already making a splash—and his first league goal is a testament to the star power he brings to Atlanta. On Saturday, Miranchuk’s left-footed screamer in the come-from-behind 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF clinched the AT&T Goal of the Matchday for Matchday 33, grabbing 50.8% of the fan vote and capturing the admiration of soccer lovers nationwide.
Miranchuk’s goal didn’t just contribute to the scoreboard; it stole the spotlight from none other than Lionel Messi, putting the former Atalanta midfielder on the MLS radar in a big way. The curling strike, which helped Atlanta hold off the Supporters’ Shield leaders, quickly became the talk of the league. Competing against impressive goals from Real Salt Lake’s Anderson Julio, CF Montréal’s Tom Pearce, and New England’s Bobby Wood, Miranchuk’s beauty outshone the rest.
Since joining from Italy’s Serie A over the summer, where he played with Europa League champions Atalanta, Miranchuk has hit the ground running. In only his fourth MLS appearance and third start, he’s already solidifying his role as a difference-maker in Atlanta United’s lineup. With such a memorable first strike, Atlanta fans can’t wait to see what else he’ll bring as he continues to settle into the league.
