FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami’s playoff dreams were crushed on Saturday night as the team suffered a shocking first-round elimination from the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs. Atlanta United defeated Miami 3-2 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference series at Chase Stadium, despite a valiant effort by star player Lionel Messi.

Messi seemed to spark hope for Miami in the second half, tying the game with a crucial header. But Atlanta’s Bartosz Slisz delivered the game-winning goal in the 76th minute, also a header, while Miami defender Tomás Avilés lay injured on the field. Miami players protested, asking the referee to pause the game, but the call was not made. Messi had two late chances to equalize from free kicks, but both shots were blocked, sealing Miami’s exit in one of the biggest upsets in MLS playoff history.

The loss was particularly disappointing for Miami, which had entered the postseason with high expectations after winning the Supporters’ Shield and setting an MLS record for points. Coached by Gerardo “Tata” Martino and led by Messi, Miami had a season full of historic achievements, only to fall to an Atlanta team that barely secured a playoff spot on the final day of the season.

“In this last part of the year, we got used to achieving our goals,” said Martino. “But we couldn’t achieve the most important one.”

The match was a dramatic back-and-forth. Matías Rojas opened the scoring in the 17th minute, giving Miami an early lead. However, Atlanta quickly responded with two goals by Jamal Thiare, putting them up 2-1. Miami nearly equalized in the 25th minute, but Diego Gómez’s goal was ruled offside. Frustrations mounted when Miami was denied a penalty call on an alleged handball, leaving the team trailing at halftime.

Miami regrouped in the second half, and Messi’s equalizing goal raised hopes. However, defensive gaps and Atlanta’s veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan proved too much for Miami’s star-studded lineup, which includes Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Martino voiced concerns over the game not being stopped for Avilés’ injury and expressed frustration over the missed penalty call.

This early exit marks yet another year without postseason success for Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham. Miami has struggled to progress in the MLS playoffs since its debut season in 2020, despite substantial investments and the addition of global soccer legends.

As Miami shifts its focus to the 2025 season and the Club World Cup, talks are underway to extend Suárez’s contract. Messi is also expected to stay with the team for another season.

Reflecting on the loss, Martino expressed optimism for the club’s future: “The progress of the club is clear. Despite the disappointment, there’s no reason the club shouldn’t continue to aim high next year.”