In a shocking turn of events, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were eliminated from the MLS playoffs on November 10, 2024. The No. 1 seed faced a stunning 3-2 defeat against the No. 9 seed, Atlanta United, in a decisive match at home. How did the favorites fall so unexpectedly?
- Messi and Inter Miami eliminated in playoffs
- Atlanta United's upset over No. 1 Miami
- Miami's record-breaking regular season performance
- Jordi Alba criticizes playoff format fairness
- Atlanta to face Orlando City next
- MLS Cup final set for December 7
Messi’s Miami Faces Unexpected Defeat in MLS Playoffs
How could a team with such a stellar season crash out so early? Inter Miami, led by superstar Lionel Messi, finished the regular season with a remarkable 74 points, earning the Supporters’ Shield. Fans expected a deep playoff run, but Atlanta United had other plans.
Atlanta United’s Stunning Upset Over Inter Miami
The match began with Miami’s Matías Rojas scoring early, but Atlanta quickly retaliated. Jamal Thiaré’s two quick goals shifted the momentum, putting pressure on Miami. Messi managed to equalize, but a late header from Bartosz Slisz sealed Miami’s fate. This match is now considered one of the biggest upsets in MLS history.
Key Moments from the Match That Shocked Fans
Several key moments defined this playoff clash:
- Rojas opened the scoring for Miami in the 17th minute.
- Thiaré responded with two goals in quick succession.
- Messi leveled the score with his first playoff goal.
- Slisz’s decisive header in the 76th minute sealed the victory for Atlanta.
What This Means for Inter Miami’s Future
Despite their record-breaking regular season, the playoffs proved to be a different challenge. Miami’s defender Jordi Alba expressed concerns about the playoff format’s fairness. With the top three seeds eliminated, the Eastern Conference is wide open, raising questions about Miami’s strategy moving forward.
Atlanta United’s Next Steps in the Playoffs
Atlanta United, who barely made it into the playoffs, now face No. 4 seed Orlando City in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Their unexpected success has revitalized the team and its fans, as interim manager Rob Valentino noted the emotional boost this win provided. Can they continue their surprising journey?
As the MLS Cup final approaches on December 7, the landscape of the playoffs has dramatically changed. Fans are eager to see how the remaining teams will perform in this unpredictable postseason.
