Atlanta United Upsets Inter Miami, Eliminating Lionel Messi’s Team from MLS Playoffs

Inter Miami and their star player Lionel Messi were ousted from the MLS playoffs on Saturday in a surprising 3-2 loss to Atlanta United at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The defeat ended Inter Miami’s playoff hopes after a rollercoaster three-game series that had seen the Herons victorious in the first game at home but struggling to keep pace with Atlanta’s relentless pressure in the final showdown.

The game began with promise for Inter Miami, as Paraguayan midfielder Matías Rojas put them ahead with a powerful strike. The lead, however, was short-lived. Atlanta United’s Senegalese forward Jamal Thiaré responded with two quick goals, flipping the scoreline and putting Atlanta in command. Messi, in a bid to rally his team, scored a header to equalize, bringing the crowd to its feet and suggesting a potential Miami comeback.

Moments later, however, Atlanta’s Bartosz Slisz seized on a defensive lapse. As an Inter Miami defender lay on the ground with an apparent injury, the referee allowed play to continue, and Slisz pushed Atlanta ahead again. Despite protests from Inter Miami players and fans, the goal stood, leaving Miami scrambling to recover.

Atlanta United’s goalkeeper Brad Guzan was instrumental in maintaining the lead, delivering a player-of-the-match performance with 10 spectacular saves. His standout moments included multiple diving saves that held off Miami’s persistent attacks. “Resilience,” Guzan remarked, defined Atlanta’s approach as they faced one of the league’s most formidable teams.

This loss marked the end of a promising for Inter Miami, who had gained significant momentum since Messi’s arrival but fell short in the playoffs. The defeat left fans stunned, with many calling it one of the biggest upsets in MLS history.

As Atlanta United moves on to the conference semifinals, they will face off against Orlando City SC, who defeated Charlotte.