Inter Miami, Lionel Messi suffer stunning playoff exit to Atlanta

Inter Miami, Lionel Messi suffer stunning playoff exit to Atlanta

Inter Miami, Lionel Messi suffer stunning playoff exit to Atlanta

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami faced a stunning first-round exit from the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs after a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference series at Chase Stadium on Saturday night.


Lionel Messi appeared to revive Miami's hopes by scoring a second-half header to equalize, but Atlanta's Bartosz Slisz sealed the match and series with a 76th-minute header. Controversy surrounded the goal as Miami defender Tomás Avilés lay injured in the penalty area, prompting Miami players to plead for the game to be paused for medical attention.


Messi had two chances to tie the match with free kicks, but both were blocked by Atlanta's defensive wall, solidifying what many consider one of the most shocking upsets in MLS playoff history.


Despite entering the postseason as the No. 1 seed after a record-breaking regular season that earned their first Supporters' Shield, Miami fell to an Atlanta team that barely made the playoffs as the No. 9 seed. Atlanta secured its postseason spot with a last-day wild-card victory and managed to push Miami to a decisive Game 3 after splitting the first two games.


Miami started strong, with Matías Rojas opening the scoring in the 17th minute, but Atlanta's Jamal Thiare quickly responded with an equalizer. Moments later, Thiare struck again, giving Atlanta a 2-1 lead. Although Messi's header brought Miami level once more, their defensive struggles and the exceptional play of Atlanta's 40-year-old goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, ultimately led to their postseason downfall.


Miami's elimination extended their lackluster MLS playoff record; despite having star-studded rosters over recent years, including co-owner David Beckham’s leadership, the Herons have yet to progress beyond the first round. Their playoff journey began with a 3-0 loss to Nashville in 2020’s play-in round, followed by a similar 3-0 defeat to New York City FC in 2022. Miami missed the 2023 playoffs but had high hopes for 2024, fueled by a full season featuring Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and coach Gerardo Martino, all of whom have strong ties to Barcelona.


Messi, who earned a league-high $20.4 million in total compensation this season, played alongside a Miami roster that set a payroll record of $41.7 million. Despite their investment, Miami must now turn its attention to building for the 2025 season and preparing for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup.


Negotiations are ongoing regarding Suárez's expiring contract, with both his agent and the club exploring an extension. Meanwhile, Messi is set to continue with Inter Miami for another season at Chase Stadium.