Casemiro opened the scoring for Inter Miami in their 2-2 draw with Atlanta United, heading home a Lionel Messi corner in the 32nd minute. The Brazilian rose at the far post to meet Messi’s delivery and put Miami ahead.
But Atlanta equalised three minutes later through Miguel Almirón. The goal came in Messi’s first appearance since announcing his retirement from international football with Argentina.
He provided both assists in the match, setting up Casemiro’s opener from a corner before playing in Telasco Segovia, who supplied the pass for Luis Suárez to score just before halftime.
Casemiro Heads Home Messi Corner for Second Straight MLS Goal in Inter Miami Draw
Casemiro's header was his second MLS goal for Miami, following his opener in the 7-1 win over CF Montréal. The 34-year-old has now scored in consecutive league appearances, giving Miami another threat from set pieces in his first MLS season.
Inter Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference with 43 points from 23 matches, 10 points behind leaders Nashville with 11 games remaining in the regular season. The 2-2 draw with Atlanta extended Miami’s unbeaten run.
But they will need to turn more of those leads into wins if they are to close the gap at the top.
| Match detail | Inter Miami vs Atlanta United |
|---|---|
| Casemiro goal | 32nd minute, header from corner |
| Assist on Casemiro goal | Lionel Messi |
| Final score | 2-2 |
| Messi contribution | 2 assists |
| Casemiro MLS goals (2026) | 2, in consecutive matches |
| Messi MLS assists (2026) | 12 |
Messi’s Set-Piece Delivery at Inter Miami Mirrors Bruno Fernandes-Casemiro Link at Man Utd
Messi’s set-piece deliveries have quickly become just as effective for Casemiro at Inter Miami as Bruno Fernandes’ were during their time together at Manchester United.
Fernandes provided six assists for Casemiro during the 2025-26 Premier League season, with the Brazilian converting multiple corners and free kicks into goals.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Casemiro scored nine Premier League goals in 34 appearances. Some of those goals came from Bruno Fernandes' set-piece deliveries. Fernandes regularly picked out the Brazilian from corners and free kicks, giving United another route to goal.
Fernandes broke the Premier League record with 21 assists in the 2025-26 season, making him the first player to surpass the previous benchmark of 20 assists, held jointly by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Casemiro was among the primary beneficiaries, leading United in headed goals from corners and free kicks. Messi’s assist for Casemiro’s goal took him to 12 assists and 18 goals in the 2026 MLS regular season, giving him 30 goal contributions.
These 30 goal contributions place him at the top of the MLS Golden Boot race and Team of the Matchday selections. His two free-kick goals against Montréal took his career total to 74.
Casemiro-Messi Set-Piece Link Boosts Inter Miami’s 2026 MLS Cup Push
Inter Miami's ability to convert set pieces through Casemiro adds a new dimension to their attacking play as they chase another MLS Cup. Casemiro has become an important part of Inter Miami’s midfield, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
Casemiro has found a familiar source of goals at Inter Miami, having scored regularly from Bruno Fernandes’ set pieces at Manchester United. Messi has already provided the delivery for two of his goals, giving Miami another threat from corners and set pieces.