Lionel Messi, Fafà Picault rally Inter Miami to 2-1 victory over Atlanta United

ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi scored early and Fafà Picault scored the winner after subbing in late to rally Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday night.

Picault's first goal this season came in his second appearance with an assist from defender Jordi Alba — his second — in the 89th minute. Messi scored the equalizer in the 20th minute. It was his first goal in two starts this season.

Brooks Lennon made his 200th career start and first this season and immediately had an impact in the 11th minute when he sent a crossing pass to Emmanuel Latte Lath, who sent a header past former Atlanta United goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. It was Latte Lath's third goal in his fourth career start. Miguel Almirón also had an assist — his second this season and 30th of his career. The goal ended a 195-minute scoring drought.

It was a club-record-tying 39th career assist for Lennon — equaling the mark of Julian Gressel. Lennon saw action for the first time since injuring his shoulder against Inter Miami in the playoffs last season. Atlanta United shocked the Supporters' Shield winners by winning the rubber match 3-2 on the road in a best-of-three first-round series.

The combo nearly paid off again in the 19th minute, but Latte Lath's goal was waived off for offsides and Messi forced a turnover and turned it into a goal a minute later to tie it.

Ríos Novo made his first start for Inter Miami (3-0-1) and had three saves. Ríos Novo made 15 starts in Atlanta last season as a rookie.

Brad Guzan saved six shots — three by Messi — for Atlanta United (1-2-1).

Atlanta United plays FC Cincinnati on the road Saturday. Inter Miami is idle until it hosts the Philadelphia Union on March 29.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer

Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almirón, center, looks to pass the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Inter Miami, Sunday, March, 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba, left, celebrates with Inter Miami midfielder Fafà Picault (7) during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Atlanta United, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) fights for position against Atlanta United midfielder Tristan Muyumba (8) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) attempts a shot against Atlanta United midfielder Tristan Muyumba, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobzhanidze (9) fights for the ball against Inter Miami defender Gonzalo Luján (2), during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) dribbles the ball past Atlanta United defender Derrick Williams, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March, 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) gets ready to kick the ball after getting past Atlanta United midfielder Bartosz Slisz (99) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March, 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, left, dribbles past Atlanta United defender Derrick Williams, right, before scoring in the first half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, March, 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) fights for the ball against Atlanta United midfielder Bartosz Slisz, right, during the first half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, March, 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almirón (10) looks to pass the ball against Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba (18) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March, 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of nurses in three hospital systems in New York City went on strike Monday after negotiations through the weekend failed to yield breakthroughs in their contract disputes.

The strike was taking place at The Mount Sinai Hospital and two of its satellite campuses, with picket lines forming. The other affected hospitals are NewYork-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

About 15,000 nurses are involved in the strike, according to New York State Nurses Association.

“After months of bargaining, management refused to make meaningful progress on core issues that nurses have been fighting for: safe staffing for patients, healthcare benefits for nurses, and workplace violence protections,” the union said in a statement issued Monday. “Management at the richest hospitals in New York City are threatening to discontinue or radically cut nurses’ health benefits.”

The strike, which comes during a severe flu season, could potentially force the hospitals to transfer patients, cancel procedures or divert ambulances. It could also put a strain on city hospitals not involved in the contract dispute, as patients avoid the medical centers hit by the strike.

The hospitals involved have been hiring temporary nurses to try and fill the labor gap during the walkout, and said in a statement during negotiations that they would “do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions.” Montefiore posted a message assuring patients that appointments would be kept.

“NYSNA’s leaders continue to double down on their $3.6 billion in reckless demands, including nearly 40% wage increases, and their troubling proposals like demanding that a nurse not be terminated if found to be compromised by drugs or alcohol while on the job," Montefiore spokesperson Joe Solmonese said Monday after the strike had started. "We remain resolute in our commitment to providing safe and seamless care, regardless of how long the strike may last.”

New York-Presbyterian accused the union of staging a strike to “create disruption,” but said in a statement that it has taken steps to ensure patients receive the care they need.

"We’re ready to keep negotiating a fair and reasonable contract that reflects our respect for our nurses and the critical role they play, and also recognizes the challenging realities of today’s healthcare environment,” the statement said.

The work stoppage is occurring at multiple hospitals simultaneously, but each medical center is negotiating with the union independently. Several other hospitals across the city and in its suburbs reached deals in recent days to avert a possible strike.

The nurses’ demands vary by hospital, but the major issues include staffing levels and workplace safety. The union says hospitals have given nurses unmanageable workloads.

Nurses also want better security measures in the workplace, citing incidents like a an incident last week, when a man with a sharp object barricaded himself in a Brooklyn hospital room and was then killed by police.

The union also wants limitations on hospitals’ use of artificial intelligence.

The nonprofit hospitals involved in the negotiations say they’ve been working to improve staffing levels, but say the union’s demands overall are too costly.

Nurses voted to authorize the strike last month.

Both New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani had expressed concern about the possibility of the strike. As the strike deadline neared, Mamdani urged both sides to keep negotiating and reach a deal that “both honors our nurses and keeps our hospitals open.”

“Our nurses kept this city alive through its hardest moments. Their value is not negotiable,” Mamdani said.

State Attorney General Letitia James voiced similar support, saying "nurses put their lives on the line every day to keep New Yorkers healthy. They should never be forced to choose between their own safety, their patients’ well-being, and a fair contract.”

The last major nursing strike in the city was only three years ago, in 2023. That work stoppage, at Mount Sinai and Montefiore, was short, lasting three days. It resulted in a deal raising pay 19% over three years at those hospitals.

It also led to promised staffing improvements, though the union and hospitals now disagree about how much progress has been made, or whether the hospitals are retreating from staffing guarantees.

Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

FILE - A medical worker transports a patient at Mount Sinai Hospital, April 1, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)