Inter Miami, led by the football legend Lionel Messi, experienced a shocking early exit from the 2024 MLS playoffs after Atlanta United delivered an unexpected blow, clinching a 3-2 win in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference series.
As Miami’s first playoff appearance with Messi, fans had high hopes of a deep postseason run. Here’s a breakdown of the major moments and takeaways from this dramatic matchup.
1. Messi’s Heroics Fall Short
Lionel Messi, the focal point of Miami’s offense, seemed ready to lift Miami to victory with his second-half header to equalize. However, Atlanta proved resilient, and even Messi’s last-ditch free-kick attempts couldn’t overcome Atlanta’s defense. His efforts showcased the fierce competition of the MLS, and while Miami boasts top talent, the match demonstrated that Messi alone couldn’t secure the win.
2. The Goal That Sparked Controversy
Atlanta’s game-winning header by Bartosz Slisz came under scrutiny as Miami defender Tomás Avilés lay injured in the penalty area. Miami players frantically appealed for the referee to pause play, but the game continued. “The game should have stopped when our player went down,” Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino expressed post-game. The call added a layer of controversy that Miami fans won’t soon forget.
3. High-Spending Miami Upset by Underdog Atlanta
Inter Miami entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed with the league’s top payroll, including Messi’s whopping $20.4 million salary. Yet, Atlanta, who barely made the playoffs as the ninth seed, capitalized on Miami’s defensive weaknesses and proved that a high payroll alone doesn’t guarantee a championship.
4. Missed Opportunities and Referee Calls
Miami’s playoff exit didn’t come without frustrations over missed calls. Martino pointed to a handball that went unchecked by the referee. “Luis [Suárez] took a shot that clearly hit an Atlanta player’s hand, but no penalty was given,” Martino noted, arguing that the call was pivotal. Between missed penalties and near-misses, Miami’s frustrations piled up throughout the game.
5. Atlanta’s Veteran Goalkeeper Steals the Show
While Messi and Miami’s offense fought hard, Atlanta’s veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan, at 40, delivered a stellar performance. Guzan’s crucial saves highlighted his experience and anchored Atlanta’s defense, proving that a veteran presence can make all the difference in high-stakes matches.
6. Another Disappointing Playoff Run for Miami
For Miami, playoff heartbreak has been a theme since its 2020 inception. With three postseason appearances but no victories, Miami’s playoff hopes have been consistently cut short. This season, despite Messi, Suárez, and a star-studded roster, Miami still couldn’t secure its first playoff series win.
7. High Expectations, But Room to Grow
While the early exit was disappointing, Miami has made strides since last season. Martino reflected on the bigger picture: “Looking at where we were a year ago, there’s progress beyond just the team.” With an iconic roster and deeper resources, Inter Miami’s journey is far from over. Fans can look forward to the evolution of a club building a promising legacy in MLS.
Though their 2024 season ended sooner than expected, Inter Miami’s journey—both thrilling and challenging—illustrates the highs and lows of MLS competition, even with Messi at the helm.
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