In the most stunning upset in MLS history, Atlanta United knocked out Lionel Messi and Inter Miami of the 2024 MLS Playoffs.
Lionel Messi and No. 1 seed Inter Miami were shockingly eliminated from the 2024 MLS Playoffs in game three of Round One in their Best-of-3 series by Atlanta United. The defeated the 3-2 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale Saturday, pulling off what may forever be known as the most stunning upset in MLS history.
A brace from Senegalese striker Jamal Thiare in the first half, accompanied by a late winner from Bartosz Slisz in the 76th minute secured Atlanta advancement into the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they will take on Orlando City in the next round.
For Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets – all four of whom are ex-Barcelona superstars – it was a dramatic and shocking exit, as Inter Miami failed to secure a result in front of their home fans.
Champions of the regular season, claiming the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield – while also setting the MLS points record during the campaign, Miami's season is officially over in the most unexpected of twists. The stunning part, though, is the were outclassed nearly all match – even though Messi himself scored a remarkable header.
It was all Atlanta during the first half, with the playing blistering attacking soccer from the opening whistle. Their first real opportunity arrived in the 14th minute, when Thiare's close-range attempt went off the post. However, just three minutes later, a break in momentum happened off a ' counter. After an initial shot from Messi, Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan parried the ball away, but it landed straight at the feet of Matias Rojas, who calmly slotted home to give Miami the opening goal.
But that was just a break in momentum. Straight from the kickoff, Atlanta were back at it, and they leveled things just two minutes later through Thiare – who finally got his goal. Then, after just two minutes again, the Senegalese striker doubled his goal tally to give the away side a 2-1 lead just 21 minutes into the match.
Miami thought they'd drawn level again in the 27th minute through Diego Gomez, but the Paraguay international was deemed to be offside after a brief review.
After going into the half with a 2-1 lead, Atlanta returned out of the tunnel with intensity, but the didn't give up, either.
The breakthrough for Miami came in the 65th minute, when Messi sent a smashing header into the back of the net to draw level after a Marcelo Weigandt cross, drawing level at 2-2. However, the stalemate lasted just 11 minutes, when Atlanta scored the dagger in the hearts of the South Beach faithful.
Off a brilliant counter-attack, Atlanta maintained possession after a bit of pinball around the box – but during that spell, Miami's Tomas Aviles suffered a knock and went down in his own box. Occupied by their teammates injury, the were too busy pleading with the official to stop the match to notice a stupendous cross sent in by Pedro Amador. It found the head of a sprinting Slisz, who hammered home with his forehead.
Game. Set. Match.
Miami threw everyone forward for the final 14 minutes plus stoppage, but it was not enough. The pulled off the unthinkable, defeating the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Miami, and knocking them out of the 2024 playoffs.
The shock of all shocks, the upset of all upsets.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium.
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Drake Callender (6/10):
Couldn't do anything about either of the first two goals, but will want the third back. Caught ball-watching, and wanting a whistle.
Marcelo Weigandt (5/10):
Was caught out of position more often than not, but did provide an offensive spark on the counter. Nice assist on Messi's header.
Tomas Aviles (5/10):
Looked lost without a proper CDM ahead of him. Stepped out of position far too much, and could not figure out his spacing. Simply put, he looked youthful, and none of the veterans on the pitch calmed him down.
Hector Martinez (5/10):
Atrocious spacing over the opening 20 minutes. Chemistry with Aviles was completely off, and was directly at fault for Atlanta's second.
Jordi Alba (5/10):
Caught sleeping on Atlanta's third, and completely missed his mark. A stunning lack of focus from their most veteran defender.
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Federico Redondo (5/10):
Picked up a sloppy yellow in the first half, and failed to control the tempo of the match. A really poor showing from someone they needed to step up.
Benjamin Cremaschi (5/10):
Subbed off midway through the second half after an uneventful showing.
Matias Rojas (6/10):
Took his opening goal well, but disappeared thereafter. Subbed off in the second half for Campana.
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Diego Gomez (6/10):
Bagged a 25th-minute strike, but was called back for offsides. Struggled to impact the attack otherwise.
Luis Suarez (5/10):
Poor in front of net, lacked a clinical touch all night. Maneuvered space well, still, and was an absolute nuisance in the head of Brad Guzan.
Lionel Messi (8/10):
He shows up when you need him most, time after time. It took 60 plus minutes, but Messi's first playoff goal, an equalizer in the second half and a header of all things – was a testament to his work ethic and desire to score. A really impressive final 30 minutes.
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Leonardo Campana (5/10):
Somehow avoided a yellow for shoving Brad Guzan into the back of the net. Otherwise, he lacked an impact off the bench, but provided size and pace; perhaps, he wasn't used effectively.
Sergio Busquets (N/A):
Subbed on late, immediately earned a sloppy and lazy yellow.
Robert Taylor (N/A):
Subbed on late.
Tata Martino (2/10):
With Yannick Bright injured and Busquets not healthy, Martino deployed a midfield without any leadership or guidance, and it cost his team. Julian Gressel was available on the bench, but he was ignored, and it's a baffling decision looking back. The Campana substitute was all wrong too, as he replaced Cremaschi – in the midfield – but went up top. Martino's mindless decision to abandon his midfield allowed Atlanta to own the counter-attack, which proved effective considering the result.
Miami's attack, notably Suarez, didn't do enough on the night, but this result is entirely on Martino underestimating Atlanta and refusing to bolster the middle of the pitch in the second half. Poor, poor man management.
