Lionel Messi’s dream to go on and win the MLS Cup title of the playoffs came to an end as Inter Miami shockingly lost to Atlanta United at home with a score of 3-2 on Saturday. Miami topped the regular season with a record points haul while claiming the Supporters’ Shield, but their title ambitions were brought to an end with back-to-back losses in the best-of-three series.
A saved Messi attempt allowed Miami to strike first in the 17th minute through Matias Rojas. Atlanta equalized through Jamal Thiare, who added another to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead. Diego Gomez’s would-be equalizer was offside, and several impressive saves from Atlanta’s veteran keeper Brad Guzan kept Miami at bay.
It wasn’t until the 65 minutes that Messi finally broke through with a powerful header that made it 2-2. However, a late header by Bartosz Slisz from a Pedro Amador cross sealed Miami’s fate and sent Atlanta into the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Atlanta will now go into the next round against Orlando, while New York Red Bulls and New York City FC lock horns in the other semi-final as Messi’s MLS Cup ambitions end prematurely.
