MLS Playoffs: Messi’s Goal Not Enough as Inter Miami Exit in First Round
Inter Miami’s 2024 MLS playoff run came to a surprising and disappointing end with a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference series. The game was full of drama, with Miami fighting hard to stay in the contest, especially after Lionel Messi scored an equalizer in the second half. However, the match slipped away from them when Atlanta scored the winning goal in the 76th minute, a header from Bartosz Slisz.
Miami entered the playoffs as the top seed after a remarkable season, led by Messi and his former Barcelona teammates, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. With such a powerful lineup, expectations were high for the team to go deep into the playoffs. Unfortunately, their defense showed weaknesses during the game, which ultimately cost them the match.
The loss became even more frustrating for Miami when they felt the referee ignored their appeals for a penalty and an offside call. The situation became more contentious when defender Tomás Avilés was injured during the play that led to Atlanta’s winning goal. Miami players argued that the referee should have intervened, but their protests went unanswered.
Miami’s elimination from the playoffs continued their ongoing struggles in MLS postseason history. The team has never advanced past the first round, making this loss another chapter in their playoff disappointment. Fans had hoped for a change this season, but once again, the team fell short of expectations.
Despite scoring 79 goals during the regular season, Miami was visibly frustrated by missed calls and their inability to capitalize on key moments. Their offensive strength, which had been a highlight all season, wasn’t enough to overcome their defensive vulnerabilities when it mattered most.
This early exit also highlighted a larger trend in MLS, where top-seeded teams rarely go on to win the MLS Cup. In the past 22 seasons, only four top-seeded teams have claimed the championship, further emphasizing how difficult it is for even the best teams to capture the title in the postseason.
