Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami suffered a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference to crash out of the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs.
Inter Miami enjoyed a successful regular campaign in the league, setting the MLS record for most points in a season to earn its first Supporters’ Shield.
Unfortunately, the Gerardo Martino-led side failed to click when it matters most to crash out in the first round in arguably the biggest upset in MLS history.
Matias Rojas drew the first blood for Inter Miami in the 17th minute before Atlanta United turned the game around with two goals in two minutes to make it 2-1.
Messi restored parity for Inter Miami with a well-placed header in the 65th minute.
Bartosz Slisz scored the winner for Atlanta United in the 76th minute following a poor defending from Miami.
It was an historic win for Atlanta United, who finished ninth in the regular season only to qualify for the playoffs following a penalty shootout win over Montreal in a wildcard game.
Their fairytale run will continue with a clash against Orlando City in the semi-final, while New York City will face New York Red Bulls in the other match.
Inter Miami coach, Gerardo Martino was disappointed with the result but took positives from the team’s improvement.
He said, “If you think about where we were in November last year, obviously there is progress as far as the club is concerned, not just the team.
“If you think about the expectations we had for this playoff, obviously we have fallen too short.
“In this last part of the year we get used to achieving the objectives that we set for ourselves and we have not been able to achieve the most important one.
“In the first half there is a clear, very clear penalty. … Luis’ [Suárez] shot hits him in the hand and the referee did not even check and this play that for me is decisive.
Inter Miami will now focus on preparation for the FIFA World Club Cup in the summer.