Lionel Messi fails to rescue Inter-Miami, the club face elimination from MLS Cup

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami faced a humiliating defeat on Saturday as they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, following a close 3-2 match at home against Atlanta United. Despite a remarkable regular season where they achieved the highest points total, the team experienced setbacks in the best-of-three playoff series, ultimately leading to their exit from the championship chase.

The accolades Miami earned for their regular season 'Supporters' Shield' triumph hold little significance following an unexpected upset by an Atlanta team that finished ninth in the Eastern Conference.

The Tale of the Fixture 

Inter took the initiative early, scoring in the 17th minute when Messi's shot was denied by a remarkable diving save from Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan. However, Matias Rojas was quick to react, pouncing on the loose ball to secure the goal.

Just two minutes later, the visitors—who clinched a wildcard spot on the final day of the season—equalized when a deflected pass from Dax McCarty fell perfectly to Jamal Thiare, who struck confidently with a powerful shot.

Miami was left reeling as Thiare struck again moments later. The 37-year-old McCarty skillfully lifted the ball forward to Russian Aleksei Miranchuk, who seamlessly slipped it to the Senegalese striker, allowing him to blast it home, putting the score at 2-1.

Following the break, the 40-year-old former USA and Aston Villa goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, delivered an impressive performance, successfully thwarting Miami's efforts to find an equalizer.

Messi's header could not Miami

Messi decisively broke through in the 65th minute, meeting a Marcelo Weigandt cross from the right with a powerful header that stunned the opposition.

Interplayers erupted in anger over the referee's decision to let play continue while their defender, Tomas Aviles, lay injured on the pitch, but their protests fell on deaf ears.

As the final whistle blew, a heavy silence enveloped Chase Stadium, marking the end of Miami's season. For head coach Gerardo Martino, who clinched the MLS Cup with Atlanta in 2018, a thorough examination of the loss is inevitable, yet he attempted to maintain a façade of composure in the face of defeat.