Atlanta, GA
$32 Million Later, Why Atlanta United Could Foil Messi Again
Emmanuel Latte Lath comes to Atlanta United from Middlesbrough for an MLS-record fee of $22 million.
In an historic winter spending spree, Atlanta United has paid a reported $32 million in combined transfer fees to secure striker Emmanuel Latte Lath on an MLS-record deal and bring back Five Stripe original Miguel Almiron after six years at Newcastle United.
Those splashes both come under new sporting director Chris Henderson, who departed Inter Miami at the end of last season to join Atlanta team president Garth Lagerwey, whom he previously worked under at the Seattle Sounders. And Atlanta’s players new and old will be managed by incoming boss Ronny Deila, who has championship pedigree both from his previous time in MLS with New York City FC and his European endeavors.
It’s one of the most dynamic offseasons in MLS history, without a doubt. And while history is littered of tales of dynamic offseasons that never translated on the field, there’s plenty of reason to believe the Five Stripes just might be the most likely challenger to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference this season.
Here’s three reasons why the Five Stripes could be the biggest obstacle in the Herons’ bid to reach their first MLS Cup final.
Verticality
Miami was exceptionally consistent over the 2024 MLS regular season, winning the Supporters’ Shield and setting a new league points record.
But on the few occasions they did struggle, it was against opponents who excelled at turning their defense into offense. That’s not particularly surprising given a lack of pace that comes with fielding one of the league’s oldest rosters, but it’s worth considering in assessing Atlanta’s off-season moves.
In losses to Cincinnati and the Red Bulls – albeit with Messi absent — it was a team that played a high line of contention that flummoxed the Herons. Against Atlanta, it was a deeper block, but still the same danger in transition.
Whether Atlanta still plays as deep under incoming manager Ronny Deila, both Almiron and Latte Lath are the kinds of players who thrive when the game is stretched.
Almiron became a fan-favorite at Newcastle because of a legendary work-rate, even though the end-product at the Premier League level was inconsistent. Latte Lath comes from Middlesbrough not only boasting world-class speed, but a record as one of the game’s most active defensive strikers.
Familiarity
So much of the challenge of playing Messi and Miami is psychological.
Unlike any team that has ever played in MLS before, the Herons under Messi were able to ruthlessly punish mistakes even in games where the opponents were superior for the majority. And according to StatsBomb, Miami exceeded its expected goals by more than 25 last season, meaning as a group they were consistently ruthless finishers.
But by virtue of being able to face Miami three times in their Round One playoff series, the bulk of Atlanta’s roster has more familiarity than anyone else in MLS in terms of the kind of mental focus it takes to limit Messi and company. Meanwhile, Almiron is plenty familiar with Messi and Miami teammate Luis Suarez’s exploits from his time as a CONMEBOL opponent with the Paraguay national team.
That kind of familiarity and demonstrated previous success is a crucial psychological edge that other East foes simply don’t have. It doesn’t guarantee more success. But it makes the possibility believable.
Uncertainty
Atlanta isn’t the only team to make big offseason moves. The $22 million fee paid for Latte Lath breaks a league record only set earlier this season with FC Cincinnati’s $16.2 million swoop for striker Kevin Denkey.
But the two most obvious challengers to Miami last season both face uncertainty coming into the new year after the exit of MVP-caliber contributors. Cucho Hernandez’s winter move to Real Betis is official, leaving a giant hole in the Columbus Crew’s front line. Cincy’s Luciano Acosta is thought to be nearing a move back to his native Argentina.
Both Ohio clubs have shown the ability to move on from stars and reload their rosters quickly. But to expect either to be immediately back at the levels they enjoyed with Hernandez and Acosta, respectively, is unrealistic. And it may be Atlanta who is best positioned to take advantage of any hiccups either club have.
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Jeff Galloway, pioneer of run-walk-run, dies at 80
The running world is mourning the loss of Jeff Galloway, a transformative figure who democratized distance running for millions. An Olympian and the winner of the first-ever Peachtree Road Race in 1970, Galloway was best known for his revolutionary Run-Walk-Run method.
ATLANTA – Atlanta runners are finding ways to honor the legacy of former US Olympian Jeff Galloway, who was widely known for his run-walk-run strategy, after his death on Wednesday at 80.
What we know:
Officials say Galloway suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and died in a hospital in Pensacola, Florida.
His daughter-in-law, Carissa Galloway, also a running enthusiast, shared a tribute to him through social media following his death.
What they’re saying:
“With Jeff being the winner of the first Peachtree, he sort of automatically is a legend here in Atlanta,” said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club CEO.
Kenah says Galloway will likely be remembered most for inspiring so many people to lace up their sneakers and start running.
Running legend Jeff Galloway passes away in Florida
“We know Jeff in the running world as our hometown hero. You know, our celebrity. But he leveraged that celebrity to bring more people into the sport than anybody else that I can think of. I think that should be his legacy,” said Kenah.
At a Thursday night run along the Beltline, the group held a moment of silence in Galloway’s honor.
“He’s a big advocate for encouraging people to go and run. I was influenced by him. I ran my 1st marathon back in December of 2024,” said Alex Lewis.
As the group took off on their run, they remembered the elite athlete who spent a lifetime motivating others to lead a healthy life one step at a time.
“Even though he was an Olympian and kind of like a celebrity in his own right, he still acted and talked to us normal people, just like a regular guy. He’ll be deeply missed here in Atlanta,” said Lewis.
Atlanta Track Club officials say there will be a moment to recognize Jeff Galloway before the start of Sunday’s Publix Atlanta Marathon.
They’re still planning how they will pay tribute to him at this year’s Peachtree Road Race.
The Source: This is a FOX 5 original report where Denise Dillon spoke with members of the Atlanta running community.
Detroit Pistons 2026 introductions, starting lineup announced by Mason
Pistons PA announcer John Mason puts his twist on the starting lineup introductions before game vs. the Spurs, Feb. 23, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena.
Two Atlanta institutions are coming together to bring a new experience to NBA fans.
The Atlanta Hawks and Magic City are partnering for “Magic City Monday,” a celebration of a cultural institution during the team’s game against Orlando Magic on March 16.
Magic City is a self-identified “premier Atlanta strip club,” and well-known across the city for their performances as well as their kitchen. The club is regularly featured in lists identifying the best chicken wings in the city. Magic City is in downtown Atlanta.
What to expect at ‘Magic City Monday’
Before the game, Hawks’ principal owner Jami Gertz, a filmaker and actor, will present a live recording of the Hawks AF podcast, according to a news release from the organization.
Gertz recently produced a five-part STARZ docuseries about Magic City, working with Atlanta native Jermaine Dupri and featuring interviews with Big Boi, Killer Mike and T.I. The series explores the “pivotal role” the club played in “hip-hop and Black culture,” in Atlanta and beyond.
The live recording will include a conversation about the documentary, as well as chats with Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney, T.I. and D.C. Young Fly.
“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy,’” Gertz said in the release. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”
During halftime, T.I will perform in State Farm Arena, and the organization will rely on DJ Esco for pregame music.
“We doin’ this one for the city… Magic City,” T.I. said in the release.
Magic City is bringing the wings
Magic City will bring their famous lemon pepper wings into State Farm Arena, serving the Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ wins and traditional Lemon Pepper at sections 114, 120 and 211. Wings will also be available at two all-inclusive premium experiences including Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s Club and the Players Club.
“From the food to the music to the exclusive merchandise, we are excited to team up with Magic City to create an authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience,” Melissa Proctor, Hawks executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said in the release.
Limited-edition merchandise, including a ‘MAGIC CITY’ hoodie, will be available at State Farm Arena and online starting Monday, March 16.
The game tips off at 7 p.m. E.T., but fans are invited to enter the arena early for the podcast taping. You can purchase tickets here.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
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