MATCH PREVIEW:Inter Miami Stunned By Atlanta United In a Shocking Playoff Exit, Head Coach Gerardo Martino Revealed.
Lionel Messi’s quest for an MLS Cup title ended abruptly on Saturday as his Inter Miami team faced an unexpected first-round playoff exit after a 3-2 home loss to Atlanta United FC.
Miami, who set a record points total during the regular season, were MLS Cup favorites. But after losing twice in the best-of-three series, Messi and his team are out.
While Miami celebrated a regular-season ‘Supporters’ Shield’ victory, it was overshadowed by the shocking defeat to ninth-seeded Atlanta.
Inter Miami initially took the lead in the 17th minute when Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan saved Messi’s shot, allowing Matías Rojas to slot in the rebound. Messi later found the net in the 65th minute with a powerful header from a Marcelo Weigandt cross.
Despite pushing for a winner, Miami was caught off guard as Pedro Amador’s cross found Bartosz Slisz, who headed it home to put Atlanta ahead. Miami players protested as play continued despite defender Tomás Avilés being down injured, but the complaints went unanswered.
The final whistle left Miami’s Chase Stadium in silence, with Atlanta celebrating an unexpected victory.
Head coach Gerardo Martino, a former MLS Cup winner with Atlanta, acknowledged the season’s ups and downs and the disappointment in the locker room. “We’ve seen progress as a club, but we fell short of our playoff expectations,” he said. “The players are understandably sad as we couldn’t meet our biggest goal.”