Lionel Messi and Inter Miami faced a stunning exit from the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs on Saturday as they fell 3-2 to Atlanta United, the No. 9 seed, in a deciding match at home. This shocking defeat came after a memorable regular season in which Miami set a new record with 74 points and clinched the Supporters’ Shield.
Matías Rojas struck first for Miami just 17 minutes in, but Atlanta quickly responded with two fast goals from Jamal Thiaré, overtaking Miami by halftime. Messi brought Miami back into the contest with a goal in the 65th minute, marking his playoff debut, but Bartosz Slisz headed in the decisive goal for Atlanta in the 76th minute.
Jordi Alba, a defender for Miami, commented on the playoff structure, suggesting it seemed “a little unfair” and expressing a preference for a more traditional format where conference champions play each other. He acknowledged the efforts of Atlanta, praising their competition and their goalkeeper’s performance.
Atlanta United, who clinched a playoff spot on the last day of the regular season, will move forward to face the fourth-seeded Orlando City in the Eastern Conference semifinal. Interim manager Rob Valentino reflected on the win, highlighting the joy and relief within the club after navigating recent struggles.
Following this round of playoffs, the landscape of the Eastern Conference has dramatically changed, now wide open following the top three seeds’ exits. The anticipation builds for the MLS Cup final scheduled for December 7.
This unexpected turn of events serves as a reminder of the unpredictability inherent in sports, where underdogs can triumph even when the odds are stacked against them. Fans can look forward to the upcoming matches, which may bring new stories of heroism and resilience from the teams that remain.