Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Crash Out of MLS Playoffs in Stunning Loss to Atlanta United
In a heart-stopping turn of events, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were eliminated from the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs in a dramatic 5-2 defeat to Atlanta United. The highly anticipated match, which was expected to showcase Messi’s magic in leading his side through the postseason, ended in disappointment for the South Florida club and their global icon.
The game, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams and fans alike. Inter Miami, fresh off their Leagues Cup triumph, entered the match with high expectations, buoyed by the presence of Messi, who had transformed the team since his arrival in July. However, despite Messi's undeniable brilliance throughout the season, Inter Miami struggled to find their rhythm on the night, succumbing to a clinical Atlanta United side that put on a performance that was nothing short of spectacular.
From the opening whistle, Atlanta United looked the sharper of the two teams. The Five Stripes took control early, with their high-pressure game and quick transitions catching Inter Miami off guard. The home team opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with a brilliant strike from Giorgos Giakoumakis, who had been a constant threat throughout the match. His clinical finish put the pressure on Messi and his teammates, who were forced to chase the game from an early stage.
Miami, however, was not without chances. Messi, as expected, created moments of individual brilliance, linking up with his teammates and attempting to unlock Atlanta’s defense. In the 32nd minute, Messi nearly equalized, delivering a powerful shot from the edge of the box that forced a brilliant save from Atlanta’s goalkeeper, Brad Guzan. The Argentine maestro also delivered dangerous free kicks and passes that nearly set up goals, but his efforts were either thwarted by Guzan or misfired by his teammates.
Despite their efforts, Miami’s defense was porous throughout the match. Atlanta United capitalized on several defensive mistakes and made it 2-0 just before halftime, when Thiago Almada slotted home a calm finish after a quick counter-attack. As the teams went into the locker room, it was clear that Inter Miami faced an uphill battle in the second half.
The second 45 minutes brought little respite for Miami. Atlanta continued their offensive onslaught, adding a third goal in the 56th minute when Giakoumakis headed home a pinpoint cross from Almada. By this point, Inter Miami seemed deflated, with Messi's usual spark visibly absent in the face of Atlanta’s relentless attack. In the 68th minute, a fourth goal from Atlanta—this time from Derrick Etienne Jr.—put the game out of reach for Miami.
Inter Miami did manage to pull one back through a late goal from Josef Martínez, who found the net after a well-executed team move, but it was little more than a consolation. Atlanta responded with a fifth goal in the dying moments of the game, sealing the 5-2 victory and ensuring Miami’s early exit from the playoffs.
The result was a bitter disappointment for Inter Miami, who had been riding high on the momentum of Messi’s arrival. Despite his best efforts, Messi was unable to drag his team over the line in what will be remembered as a disappointing conclusion to a season that promised so much. For Atlanta United, the win was a statement of intent as they move forward in the playoffs, with their clinical performance against one of the most talented teams in the league proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.
For Messi and Inter Miami, the loss will sting, but the journey remains just beginning. As the team looks ahead to next season, the lessons learned from their playoff exit will surely shape their future endeavors in MLS.
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