Messi Scores, but Inter Miami Falls Short in Shocking Playoff Exit to Atlanta United

Lionel Messi scored, but Inter Miami faced an unexpected first-round exit in the MLS Cup playoffs, falling 3-2 to Atlanta United in the decisive match held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The best-of-three series ended with each team having won one game prior.

Miami finished the regular season strong, earning 74 points from 34 matches in the Eastern Conference and securing the Supporters’ Shield.

They initially took the lead at Chase Stadium when Matias Rojas netted a goal off a rebound after Atlanta’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, stopped a shot from Messi.

However, Atlanta quickly turned the tide with two goals from Jamal Thiare in just two minutes.

Although Messi managed to equalize with a header, Bartosz Slisz scored the decisive goal for Atlanta amidst Miami’s appeals for a stoppage due to defender Tomas Aviles lying injured on the pitch.

Last month, Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, was named one of the 32 teams in next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised the club’s rapid ascent, stating, “They are now officially one of the 32 best clubs in the world, already after a few years since their existence. And now they can start writing their story also on the global stage.”

In December, Miami signed Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, reuniting him with former Barcelona teammates Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

Atlanta secured their playoff spot by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference and then defeating Montreal in a penalty shootout during the wildcard round to face Miami.

Next, Atlanta will meet Orlando City, while New York City will clash with the New York Red Bulls in the semifinals, which are single elimination rather than a best-of-three format. The winners will advance to the Eastern Conference final, with the champion facing the Western Conference playoff winner in the MLS Cup final on December 7.

Reflecting on the season, Miami manager Gerardo Martino noted, “This season has had good and bad things. If you think about the expectations we had for this playoffs, obviously we came up a little short. The players are sad, as they should be when there are so many expectations and the team can’t fulfill them. In this final part of the year, we got used to achieving our objectives, but we couldn’t achieve the most important one.”

Miami defender Jordi Alba criticized the MLS Cup format, calling it “a bit unfair.”

He suggested that it should be structured so that the champions of each conference face each other for a fairer outcome.