Atlanta United Stuns Inter Miami: Lionel Messi’s MLS Cup Run Cut Short in Shocking Upset
In a surprising twist, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s highly anticipated MLS Cup journey has come to an abrupt end. Ninth-seeded Atlanta United delivered a massive upset, defeating Inter Miami 3-2 on Saturday to advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, dashing the hopes of the league’s top-seeded team and its star player.
Thiaré and Slisz Seal Atlanta’s Win
Jamal Thiaré led Atlanta United’s offensive surge, scoring twice, while Bartosz Slisz sealed the victory with a powerful header in the 76th minute. Messi’s late attempts, including two free kicks deflected by Atlanta’s defense, couldn’t find the back of the net. Although a Messi header in the 65th minute brought Inter Miami level at 2-2, Atlanta’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Brad Guzan, held strong under relentless pressure.
This win marked Atlanta United’s fifth consecutive must-win game this season. Their journey included two critical victories in the regular season to stay in playoff contention, a wild-card win over Montreal, and a Game 2 victory to force the decisive Game 3 against Inter Miami.
Eastern Conference Race Wide Open
The Eastern Conference semi-final matchups are now set. Atlanta United will face fourth-seeded Orlando City, while sixth-seeded New York City FC will take on seventh-seeded New York Red Bulls. With the top teams, No. 2 Columbus and No. 3 Cincinnati, already eliminated, the door is open for lower-seeded teams to challenge for the title. This unpredictability adds an exciting dimension to the MLS Cup race.
Inter Miami’s playoff exit marks a stunning end to a season in which they secured the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record. Despite significant investments, including Messi’s high salary, the team fell short of reaching the MLS Cup’s second round, leaving fans disappointed.
Atlanta’s Dominance Over Inter Miami
Atlanta United proved to be a challenging matchup for Inter Miami throughout the season, defeating them three times, each with Messi on the field—a feat unmatched by any other MLS team. Inter Miami’s hopes were quickly dampened on Saturday as Atlanta’s offensive onslaught unfolded within minutes. Although Inter Miami opened the scoring with a goal by Diego Gómez off a rebound from a Messi shot, Atlanta swiftly responded. Thiaré capitalized on a defensive lapse to tie the game, and moments later, he beat Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, for a 2-1 lead.
Messi’s Final Equalizer Not Enough
In a brief moment of hope, Messi tied the game at 2-2 with a rare header, adding a final highlight to an otherwise disappointing playoff series. However, Slisz’s late header and Guzan’s stellar goalkeeping ended Inter Miami’s comeback, leaving players and fans in disbelief as the final whistle blew.
What’s Next for Atlanta and Inter Miami?
As Atlanta United prepares to face Orlando City, Inter Miami faces a long offseason, reflecting on a season that began with high expectations but ended in early heartbreak. The spotlight now shifts to the remaining teams, with the MLS Cup race becoming anyone’s game in a highly unpredictable Eastern Conference playoff.