Martino Returns to Face Old Club | Miami Heat News

Tata Martino is back in South Florida, now coaching Atlanta United, and he’s targeting his former club Inter Miami — the team he led to a Supporters’ Shield in 2024 — for a fiery showdown on September 5, 2026. With Messi still lighting up the pitch — scoring four goals in one game, including four of Miami’s late-game strikes — Martino warns his squad that even controlling the match for 89 minutes doesn’t guarantee safety. Former Miami player Fafa Picault, now with Atlanta, echoes that sentiment, noting Messi’s unstoppable threat and the danger of a two-goal lead against this explosive Miami side. While Atlanta struggles outside the playoff picture after recent losses, Miami sits second in the East and leads the league in goals, with Messi leading the Golden Boot race. New Atlanta coach Martino brings tactical insight and personal stakes, while interim coach Guillermo Hoyos admits it’ll be tough facing old friends. Kickoff: 7:30 PM, streaming on Apple TV. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e7b652b71278331e