Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has dreamed of winning the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup, but his club was eliminated in the first round on Saturday. The David Beckham-owned football club was eliminated from the playoffs after a 3-2 home loss to Atlanta United.
Inter Miami won the regular season with a record points total, but they lost twice in the best-of-three series and their eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is out. An Atlanta squad who finished tenth in the Eastern Conference upset Inter Miami, negating their ‘Supporters’ Shield’ win.
Miami lacked midfield flow with Sergio Busquets on the bench, and Messi and his former Barcelona strike partners Luis Suarez struggled to create chances with minimal service.
As Guzan and his Atlanta teammates celebrated, Chase Stadium became silent as Miami’s season, which many expected to finish with an MLS Cup triumph, ended. Gerardo Martino, who won MLS Cup with Atlanta in 2018, attempted to be brave despite the loss.
“This season was good and horrible. Compared to November last year, the club and team have improved. Considering our playoff hopes, we fell short “Argentine reported.
New York Red Bulls and New York City will play in the other Eastern Conference semi-finals, while Atlanta will play Orlando.
