Atlanta United FC

The ATL Underdogs dealt a hard blow to the Superstar InterMiami/Messi League Leaders on Saturday night.

United States men's national team defender Miles Robinson was arrested at a bar Saturday and charged with misdemeanor theft by taking, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.

According to the report from the Cobb County Police Department, Robinson was accused of taking a shot off a drink tray and refusing to pay the $5 for it. The police were called after the bartender at Atlanta PBR alerted management and Robinson's alleged refusal to pay his bill persisted.

Robinson was also given a criminal trespass warning and released on $150 bond.

According to the report, police "explained to him that all he had to do was pay his bill and that if he did not pay the bill the manager wanted to press charges for theft. Robinson once again stated all this was over five dollars. Robinson did not indicate that he was going to pay the bill."

Robinson also accused the staff of racism, stating he was the only Black man in the bar.

The 25-year-old plays for the MLS' Atlanta United, which issued a statement following the incident.

"We are aware of a recent misdemeanor arrest involving Miles Robinson," the club said. "We are continuing to gather all information related to the incident and will not have further comment at this time."

The center back had emerged as one of the best defenders in MLS in recent years, earning him an extended opportunity with the United States national team in 2021. After helping the squad win the Gold Cup, he made 11 starts during World Cup qualifying, tied for second on the team.

Robinson later tore his Achilles tendon in May, ending his MLS season after just nine games while likely ruling him out for the World Cup.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has confirmed on Instagram that his brother Florentin has joined Atlanta United.

Per Rob Ursy of Dirty South Soccer, on his social media account the Red Devils star posted a snap of his brother signing a contract:

The accompanying caption read: "So happy for my bro, just sign (sic) for Atlanta Utd."

While there has not yet been official confirmation from the Major League Soccer champions of a transfer being finalised, it appears an announcement regarding the deal is now inevitable.

Earlier this week it was reported by Jeff Carlisle of ESPN that Atlanta were close to wrapping up the signing of the defender, whose previous club was Genclerbirligi S.K. in Turkey. 

However, at the end of the previous campaign the Guinea international's contract was not renewed and he has recently been on trial with second-tier Spanish side Elche.

As noted by The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas, the former Saint-Etienne defender endured some tough times during his stint with Genclerbirligi:

Atlanta will be looking to bolster their squad in other areas having lost their key playmaker Miguel Almiron to Newcastle this month. He excelled in 2018, with his creativity and Josef Martinez's goalscoring potency propelling the team to the MLS Cup.

Last term Michael Parkhurst and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez provided Atlanta with a solid defensive base too. It means Pogba is unlikely to be a immediate starter for new boss Frank De Boer.

MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner Josef Martinez has signed a new five-year contract with Atlanta United.

The club announced the news via Twitter:

Per the club's official website, Martinez talked about his decision to commit his future to the MLS champions:

"This means a lot to me because of the affection that the fans have shown me, that the fans show all of the players. It's unique. They recognize the effort that you give and they know you did everything to win, and I think that's why we love playing here.

"I have to thank everyone. My teammates, the city, my family and friends, because this is a dream I've always had. I've said before that I don't want to go anywhere because this is my home. You can expect more work, more intensity, because that's who I am. I want to win. I want to do everything for my teammates and for the city."

The 25-year-old joined the club from Torino at the start of 2017 and bagged 19 goals in 20 matches in his debut MLS campaign. Atlanta made the play-offs in their debut season, setting the stage for a phenomenal run in 2018.

The Venezuelan bagged 31 goals in the regular season, breaking the MLS' single-season record, and finished the year by winning League MVP, All-Star Game MVP, the Golden Boot and MLS Cup Final Game MVP. 

Here is a look at his record-setting campaign:

Per OptaJack the numbers behind his short stint in MLS are absurd:

Somewhat surprisingly, his strong play has not led to much transfer speculation. Per Charles Boehm of MLSSoccer.com, broadcaster Stuart Holden said there was interest from La Liga, the Premier League and Ligue 1 in August, but there has been little news since.

The new deal should silence whatever speculation there was. Per sportswriter Kristan Heneage, it's a deserved one:

MLS has been a smash hit in Atlanta, and Martinez's strong play has played a major role in the team's popularity. This new contract was a no-brainer, ensuring one of the league's biggest and most productive stars stays right where he is.

It's also a fitting reward for a player who struggled to find his footing in Switzerland and Italy but has blossomed in North America.