Lionel Messi and Inter Miami entered the MLS playoffs with high expectations, particularly when they faced Atlanta United as their first-round opponent.
Having clinched the Supporters’ Shield with a league-best 74 points, Miami was widely seen as the favourite to advance comfortably. After Messi’s side claimed a 2-1 win in the first game of the best-of-three series in South Florida, it seemed almost certain they would secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Many saw the upcoming second game as a formality, expecting Messi’s influence to continue powering Miami toward the MLS Cup.
However, Atlanta upset these plans by forcing a decisive third match back in Miami, talkSPORT reports.
Despite Matias Rosas’s goal in the 17th minute giving the Herons an early lead, Atlanta roared back.
Jamal Thiare struck twice in quick succession, flipping the game on its head.
Messi later equalised, raising hopes of a comeback, but Bartosz Slisz found the net in the 76th minute to dash Miami’s ambitions and end their postseason dream....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
The loss left Miami stunned, prematurely ending Messi’s highly anticipated playoff run with Inter Miami.
The result shocked fans and analysts alike, with some calling it one of the most unexpected upsets in MLS playoff history.
Yet, Messi remained gracious in defeat, reflecting on the season’s growth while looking ahead with optimism.
He wrote on Instagram, “A season in which we continued to grow as a club has come to an end, and although we achieved some objectives, we wanted more.
“Thanks to all the people who accompanied and supported us. Now we are going to prepare to come back stronger next year.”
According to Transfermarkt, Messi, despite managing injury issues, contributed an impressive 20 goals and 10 assists across 19 regular-season matches, underscoring his transformative impact.
