Lionel Messi’s dazzling header was not enough to prevent a stunning playoff exit for Inter Miami, as they were eliminated from MLS Cup contention in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Atlanta United on Saturday night. The defeat marks a bitter end to a season full of promise for the Herons, who, despite setting a record for regular-season points in 2024, saw their MLS Cup dreams dashed in the first round of the playoffs.
Messi, who had been the star of Miami’s historic campaign, leveled the score midway through the second half with a trademark header. However, Atlanta’s Bartosz Slisz struck the game-winning goal in the 75th minute, sealing Miami’s fate in a match that was as heartbreaking as it was dramatic.
Miami Takes Early Lead, But Atlanta Responds
Inter Miami took the early advantage when Leonardo Campana opened the scoring in the 12th minute. However, Atlanta, seeded ninth in the Eastern Conference, quickly turned the tide with goals from Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis, taking a 2-1 lead into the break.
In the second half, Messi’s magic brought the Herons back into the game. The Argentine superstar rose to meet a perfectly placed cross from Jordi Alba and sent a powerful header past Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan to equalize at 2-2.
Guzan’s Brilliance, Slisz’s Late Strike
Despite Messi’s best efforts, the visitors capitalized on a late opportunity. Slisz’s 75th-minute goal proved to be the difference, with the Polish midfielder’s powerful shot giving Atlanta a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. Guzan, the 40-year-old veteran, played a key role in keeping Miami at bay, making eight saves, including multiple stops on Messi’s dangerous attempts.
Miami was also hampered by the absence of Sergio Busquets, who had flu-like symptoms and started the match on the bench. Though he entered in the second half, his presence could not shift the momentum in Miami’s favor.
A Disappointing End for Messi and Miami
The loss marks a disappointing end to Lionel Messi’s pursuit of an MLS Cup in his second season with Inter Miami. Having already won the 2024 Supporters Shield and the Leagues Cup, Messi had openly declared that lifting the MLS Cup was his top priority for the club.
“That’s the real title that we want, MLS Cup,” Messi had said just days before the match. “We’re going to fight for that.”
But despite his heroics throughout the season, Miami’s campaign ended in heartbreak, leaving Messi and the Herons to regroup and refocus for the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead
For Inter Miami, the early exit is a significant setback, but the team will look to build on their record-setting season and come back stronger in the future. Meanwhile, Atlanta United moves on to the next round, where they’ll continue their surprising playoff run.
While Messi’s quest for an MLS Cup continues, Saturday night’s loss will surely sting for the Argentine legend, who had hoped to cap off his second season in the U.S. with the ultimate prize.
