Messi's Inter Miami eliminated in the MLS playoffs round of 16

Inter Miami's hopes of lifting the MLS Cup this season came to a disappointing end after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium.

In a match filled with intensity and high stakes, the Florida-based club, led by international stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, was eliminated in the round of 16 of the MLS playoffs. This result marks a bitter conclusion to what had been a promising season for Inter Miami, who had topped the regular season standings and claimed the Supporters' Shield, their first major trophy. Despite their strong performance throughout the regular season, they faltered at the crucial moment in the playoffs.

The matchup against Atlanta United was the culmination of a tightly contested series. Inter Miami had initially taken control with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the first game, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. However, Atlanta United, despite finishing the regular season in a modest ninth place, fought back in the second leg, securing a 2-1 win of their own. The stage was set for a decisive third match, and expectations were high for Messi and his teammates to deliver a memorable performance in front of a home crowd. Instead, it was Atlanta United who rose to the occasion, executing a well-planned strategy that ultimately saw them prevail 3-2 and advance to the quarter-finals of the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami’s elimination was a significant upset, given their dominance in the regular season. The club had been in formidable form, with Messi’s arrival earlier in the year injecting a new level of excitement and quality into the squad. His partnership with Suárez, Busquets, and Alba all former Barcelona teammates had revitalized the team, leading to a surge in performances that culminated in winning the Supporters' Shield. The victory had also earned them a coveted spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a landmark achievement for the relatively young franchise. However, the unexpected loss to Atlanta United, a team considered an underdog in this matchup, has cast a shadow over their otherwise stellar season.

Atlanta United, under the tactical guidance of head coach Gonzalo Pineda, executed their game plan to perfection, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline throughout the series. The inclusion of Portuguese players Pedro Amador and Xande Silva proved pivotal in the final leg. Amador, who started the match, was instrumental in orchestrating Atlanta’s attacking play and provided the decisive assist for the winning goal. Silva, coming on as a substitute in the 77th minute, brought fresh energy and helped maintain the pressure on Inter Miami’s defense during the closing stages of the game.

The match itself was a thrilling encounter filled with twists and momentum shifts. Inter Miami took the early lead when Matías Rojas found the back of the net with a well-placed shot, igniting celebrations among the home fans. However, Atlanta United quickly responded with a stunning two-minute double strike from Jamal Thiaré, who exploited defensive lapses to turn the game on its head. His first goal came from a swift counter-attack, while the second was a powerful header that left Inter Miami’s goalkeeper with no chance. The sudden shift in momentum left Miami scrambling to regain control.

Lionel Messi, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, stepped up in the second half, delivering a moment of magic to level the score at 2-2 in the 65th minute. The Argentine maestro showcased his trademark dribbling skills, weaving through Atlanta’s defense before unleashing a clinical finish into the bottom corner. The equalizer sent the crowd into a frenzy and seemed to put Inter Miami back on track. However, the joy was short-lived. Just 11 minutes later, Bartosz Slisz delivered the final blow with a well-executed strike that sealed the victory for Atlanta United. Slisz’s goal, assisted by Amador, was a testament to Atlanta’s persistence and tactical execution.

The defeat marks a sobering end to what many had hoped would be a fairy-tale season for Inter Miami. Head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino expressed his disappointment in the post-match press conference, acknowledging the team’s struggles to maintain their composure in critical moments. “It’s a tough loss, especially after the season we’ve had,” Martino said. “We knew Atlanta would be a difficult opponent, but we failed to capitalize on our chances and paid the price for it. It’s something we need to learn from as we look ahead to next season.”

The early exit is a significant blow for Messi, who had been aiming to add another prestigious trophy to his illustrious career. Despite the setback, the Argentine star expressed his gratitude to the fans and vowed to come back stronger next year. “This isn’t how we wanted our season to end,” Messi said in a brief statement. “But we’ve made great progress, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. We’ll take this as a lesson and work even harder for next season.”

Meanwhile, Atlanta United’s victory was celebrated as a major achievement, particularly given their struggles in the regular season. Advancing to face Orlando City in the next round, the team will be looking to carry this momentum forward as they aim to make a deep run in the playoffs. Coach Pineda praised his players for their resilience and tactical discipline. “This was a team effort,” he remarked. “Everyone played their part, and it’s a well-deserved win. We’re excited for the next challenge against Orlando City, and we believe we can keep this momentum going.”

The stage is now set for the quarter-finals, where Atlanta United will clash with Orlando City in what promises to be another intense rivalry match. As for Inter Miami, their focus will now shift to the offseason, where rebuilding and preparation for the upcoming 2025 season including their participation in the Club World Cup will be top priorities. Despite the disappointing playoff exit, the foundation laid this year with high-profile signings and improved performances offers hope for a stronger comeback next season.