Messi, Inter Miami eliminated from MLS Cup Playoffs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Inter Miami CF will not be lifting MLS Cup at the end of the 2024 season.

Lionel Messi and company crashed out of the MLS Cup Playoffs in a 3-2 home defeat against Atlanta United in Game 3 of their Round One Best-of-3 series on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Argentine star scored in the 65th minute to tie the match at two apiece, but a 76th-minute goal from Bartosz Slisz and spectacular play from Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who registered seven saves, ended the season for the overwhelming favorite to win the trophy.

Matías Rojas opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 17th before Atlanta forward Jamal Thiaré scored in the 19th and 21st minutes.

Inter Miami won 2-1 in Game 1 on October 25 in Fort Lauderdale. Atlanta United responded with its own 2-1 home victory on November 2. In Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, teams must win two out of three games outright or via a penalty shootout in case of a draw.

Atlanta United advances to face Orlando City in the Eastern Conference semifinals as the postseason shifts to a single-elimination match at the higher seed.

Inter Miami CF had home-field advantage through the MLS Cup thanks to its record-setting 74-point season, which won the club its first MLS Supporters’ Shield. The offseason begins for the Herons, who will also compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup during the 2025 MLS season.