Messi’s Inter Miami is out: Atlanta United got the better off
Messi’s Inter Miami fans are disappointed after their team, was knocked out of the MLS 2024 Playoffs. Atlanta United got the better of their opponents in a three-legged tie. Despite winning the first match, Inter Miami failed to make it to the last eight.
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Inter Miami enjoyed a great regular season. For the first time in the club’s history, they finished at the top of the table in the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami only lost four matches in the entire season. They were up against a very good Atlanta United side.
Messi’s playoff debut
The global star made his MLS Playoff debut at the Chase Stadium against Atlanta United. The away side ended the season in 9th place. Inter Miami were the favorites to advance to the last eight.
Luis Suarez also made his playoff debut. He marked his presence in style with a goal in the second minute. Atlanta United came back into the game in the first half. Saba Lobzhanidze scored the equalizer in the 39th minute. Lionel Messi was kept quiet by the opposition. However, he found a way through on the hour mark. Messi created a goal for his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba. The Spanish left-back found the back of the net and Inter Miami took the lead in the tie.
Atlanta United takes the second game
Atlanta United were not going to back down. They hosted Inter Miami at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium. Inter Miami were without their star midfielder, Sergio Busquets for this match.
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The away team took the upper hand in the second leg. David Martinez scored the only goal in the first half and Inter Miami led the match 1-0. Atlanta United were under pressure and needed a win to keep their hopes alive. Derrick Williams stepped up to the task as he scored the equalizer in the 58th minute. The tie was still in Inter Miami’s favor until the injury and stoppage time. Xande Silva scored the winner for the home team in the fourth minute of the added time. The series went to a decider match.
Atlanta United knocked out Inter Miami
Inter Miami had the upper hand in the home tie. They were aiming to take advantage of the home crowd. Sergio Busquets returned to the bench adding more confidence to the team. Inter Miami took advantage of the home conditions by taking the lead in the 17th minute. Matias Rojas scored the opener of the match.
Atlanta United were not going down easily. Jamal Thiare led the front line and scored a brace within three minutes. He scored the equalizer in the 19th minute and gave the lead in the 21st minute. Now, Inter Miami was under pressure.
Lionel Messi took the responsibility into his own hands. He scored the equalizer in the 65th minute. However, Bartosz Slisz had some other plans. He scored the winner in the 76th minute and took his side to the next round.
