Atlanta United eliminated Lionel Messi and Inter Miami from the 2024 MLS Playoffs in the most spectacular upset in MLS history.
In game three of Round One of their Best-of-three series, Atlanta United has stunningly eliminated Lionel Messi and No. 1 seed Inter Miami from the 2024 MLS Playoffs. The Five Stripes pulled off what may go down as the most spectacular upset in Major League Soccer history on Saturday night, defeating the Herons 3-2 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Atlanta advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they will play Orlando City in the next round, thanks to goals from Senegalese striker Jamal Thiare in the first half and Bartosz Slisz’s late winner in the 76th minute.
Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets—all former Barcelona stars—put on a spectacular and dramatic display as Inter Miami was unable to win in front of their home crowd.
In the most unexpected turn of events, Miami’s season is officially over despite being the regular season champions, winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, and setting the MLS points record during the campaign. The Herons were outclassed in almost every encounter, which is the shocking aspect, notwithstanding Messi himself scored an incredible header.
Game highlight
Atlanta started the match with a strong attacking game, scoring their first goal in the 14th minute. However, the Herons took the lead three minutes later with Matias Rojas’ goal. Atlanta then leveled things with Thiare’s goal and doubled their lead to 2-1.
Miami tried to draw level again in the 27th minute, but Diego Gomez was deemed offside. Atlanta returned with fire in the second half, but the Herons continued to fight. Messi’s header in the 65th minute tied the game at 2-2.
However, Atlanta’s goal in the 11th minute was a stunning counter-attack, but Miami’s Tomas Aviles suffered a knock and went down in his own box. Pedro Amador’s cross found Slisz’s head, putting the game in a stalemate. Miami threw everyone forward for the final 14 minutes, but it was not enough.
The Five Stripes defeated Miami, knocking them out of the 2024 playoffs. This was an upset of all upsets.
