Facing possibly playing its last MLS match this season, Atlanta United is trying to go out fighting.
The team announced on Monday that Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be open to full capacity, more than 67,000, when it hosts Inter Miami in the second game of their best-of-three playoff series on Saturday.
Inter Miami won the first game 2-1 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Oct. 25. Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba scored for Miami. Saba Lobjanidze scored for Atlanta United.
Atlanta United is 1-1-1 against Inter Miami this season and 6-7-4 at home.
Atlanta United hasn’t yet given updates about injuries suffered during the first game by fullback Brooks Lennon (dislocated shoulder) or Stian Gregersen (hamstring).
Atlanta United is 1-1-1 against Inter Miami this season and 6-7-4 at home to full capacity. The first came in the season’s home-opener on March 9. Atlanta United defeated New England 4-1 in front of an announced attendance of 67,727. For the second, 61,209 watched Atlanta United lose to Charlotte 3-2 on June 2. For the third, Atlanta United and Inter Miami drew 2-2 on Sept. 18 in front of an announced attendance of 67,795.
Atlanta United interim manager Rob Valentino said he recognizes that many people who may come on Saturday may be there to see Messi. He said he hopes that, as was the case in September, those wearing the pink or black Messi shirts will cheer for Atlanta United.
Atlanta United has opened Mercedes-Benz Stadium to full capacity 29 times prior to Saturday’s match.
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Atlanta United’s 2024 schedule
Feb. 24 Columbus 1, Atlanta United 0
March 9 Atlanta United 4, New England 1
March 17 Atlanta United 2, Orlando 0
March 23 Toronto 2, Atlanta United 0
March 31 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 0
April 6 Atlanta United 1, NYCFC 1
April 14 Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 2
April 20 Cincinnati 2, Atlanta United 1
April 27 Atlanta United 1, Chicago 1
May 4 Minnesota 2, Atlanta United 1
May 7 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte Independence 0 in U.S. Open Cup
May 11 D.C. United 3, Atlanta United 2
May 15 Cincinnati 1, Atlanta United 0
May 18 Atlanta United 1, Nashville 1
May 21 Atlanta United 0 (5), Charleston 0 (4) in U.S. Open Cup
May 25 LAFC 1, Atlanta United 0
May 29 Atlanta United 3, Miami 1
June 2 Charlotte 3, Atlanta United 2
June 15 Atlanta United 2, Houston 2
June 19 Atlanta United 1, D.C. United 0
June 22 Atlanta United 1, St. Louis 1
June 29 Atlanta United 2, Toronto 1
July 3 New England 2, Atlanta United 1
July 6 Real Salt Lake 5, Atlanta United 2
July 9 vs. Indy Eleven 2, Atlanta United 1
July 13 Montreal 1, Atlanta United 0
July 17 Atlanta United 2, NYCFC 2
July 20 Atlanta United 2, Columbus 1
July 26 D.C. United 3 (6), Atlanta United 3 (5) in Leagues Cup
Aug. 4 Santos Laguna 0 (5), Atlanta United 0 (3) in Leagues Cup
Aug. 24 L.A. Galaxy 2, Atlanta United 0
Aug. 31 Atlanta United 1, Charlotte 0
Sept. 14 Nashville 2, Atlanta United 0
Sept. 18 Atlanta United 2, Inter Miami 2
Sept. 21 Atlanta United 2, Red Bulls 2
Sept. 28 Atlanta United 1, Philadelphia 1
Oct. 2 Montreal 2, Atlanta United 1
Oct. 5 Atlanta United 2, Red Bulls 1
Oct. 19 Atlanta United 2, Orlando 1
Oct. 22 Atlanta United 2 (5), Montreal 2 (4) in wild card round
Oct. 25 Inter Miami 2, Atlanta United 1 in playoffs, Game 1
Nov. 2 Inter Miami at Atlanta United in playoffs, Game 2
Nov. 9 Atlanta United at Inter Miami in playoffs, Game 3 (if necessary)
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