Miguel Almirón Revitalizes Atlanta United with Historic Performance

Miguel Almirón once again reminded Atlanta United fans why his name holds a special place in the club’s history. With three assists in the 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the Paraguayan number 10 became the Five Stripes’ all-time leader in regular season assists, totaling 38, and delivered a performance that evoked memories of the team’s 2018 MLS Cup-winning campaign.

Looking for a New Direction Under Tata Martino

The 2025 season proved disappointing for Atlanta United, as the club missed the playoffs and finished 29th out of 30 teams in the Supporters’ Shield rankings. The return of Gerardo “El Tata” Martino as head coach signaled a new era, with a clear emphasis on Almirón’s importance to the project.

“I think he can be the team’s leading football player,” Martino stated in his first press conference upon returning to Atlanta. “What we want is to somehow surround him in such a way that we can take away his responsibilities off the court and for him to be our leader on the court.”

Almirón deeply admires Martino, not only for leading the team to the 2018 MLS Cup title but also for his distinguished coaching career in South America and his leadership of the Paraguayan national team in the 2010 World Cup – Paraguay’s most successful World Cup showing. This connection was evident in Almirón’s performance against Philadelphia.

The King of Assists in Atlanta

After a rocky start to the 2026 season with three consecutive losses, including a 3-2 defeat against Real Salt Lake in the home opener, Atlanta United found its footing on Matchday 4 thanks to Almirón’s masterful playmaking. His three assists propelled the team to a 3-1 victory over the Union, securing their first win of the season.

This achievement not only established Almirón as the club’s all-time leader in regular season assists (38) but also made him the second player in club history to record three assists in a single game.

Prior to the match, Martino highlighted Almirón’s importance, stating, “Alexey [Miranchuk] and Miguel are the two best players we have and two of the best players the league has.” AP News

This statement carries significant weight considering the rising level of talent in MLS, a league now featuring global stars like Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, Thomas Müller, and James Rodríguez. Martino’s confidence underscores his belief in Almirón’s ability to compete with the league’s elite.

Despite the league’s increased competitiveness since Almirón’s initial arrival in MLS, he has continued to evolve as a player and is poised to be a key figure in Atlanta United’s success in 2026.

The World Cup on the Horizon

Almirón’s leadership extends beyond Atlanta United, as he is also a vital player for the Paraguayan national team, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2010.

The upcoming tournament this summer represents a pivotal moment in Almirón’s career, and his performances with Atlanta United will be crucial in his preparation. Matías Galarza, a recent addition from River Plate, shares this ambition and will also be aiming to peak form ahead of representing his country.

Driven by World Cup aspirations and a desire to put the previous season behind them, this could be the year that fans witness the best version of Miguel Almirón.

What’s Next for Atlanta United?

Almirón and Atlanta United will aim to continue their winning momentum on Matchday 5 of the regular season when they host DC United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, March 21 (7:30 pm ET – Apple TV). Atlanta United FC