Inter Miami’s hopes of securing an MLS Cup title were dashed on Saturday evening as they were eliminated from the playoffs following a 3-2 defeat in the decisive third leg of their round one matchup against Atlanta United.
Despite winning the first leg, Miami’s loss in the second set up a do-or-die fixture that ultimately ended their playoff run.
The match saw plenty of action, with former Le Havre striker Jamal Thiare hitting the post in the 14th minute before Miami took the lead. Matias Rojas pounced on a rebound from a Messi shot saved by Brad Guzan, slotting in the opening goal. However, Thiare quickly turned the game around with two goals in just three minutes, one of which was a stunning strike from the edge of the box.
Miami had chances to level, with a Diego Gomez goal ruled out by VAR for offside and Messi’s effort saved by Guzan. The equalizer came in the 65th minute when Messi, surrounded by four defenders, rose to head home a goal from close range. But the decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when Bartosz Slisz scored a header while Miami appealed for a stoppage in play due to an injured defender.
Despite pushing for another equalizer, Miami’s efforts were thwarted as Atlanta held firm to secure a stunning upset. The defeat ended Messi’s second season in the United States in disappointment, with Inter Miami’s historic season—culminating in a record 73 points—ultimately falling short in the playoffs.
Inter Miami’s head coach Tata Martino reflected on the season, acknowledging both the successes and the disappointments, while Spain legend Jordi Alba expressed frustration at the playoff format. “It was a good season, but what we wanted was to win this more,” he said.