Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Atlanta stuns star-studded Inter Miami as Messi and Co. are eliminated in first round of MLS Cup Playoffs

Inter Miami won the first game in the series but were outplayed by Atlanta in the next two games to face elimination.

Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Atlanta United moves into the Eastern Conference semifinals after beating star-studded Inter Miami in the final game of a three-match series. Messi & Co. failed to cross the first hurdle of the playoffs and suffered a 3-2 defeat despite taking an early lead.

THAT JUST HAPPENED 🤯@ATLUTD knocks @InterMiamiCF out of the Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/EtXhtC5kiK
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 10, 2024

A quick recap of the drama unfolded between two in 90 minutes

Inter Miami had a leaky defence throughout the game but they opened the scoring in the 17th minute after Brad Guzan’s deflection on a direct shot from Messi bounced toward Matias Rojas who set up a goal. Atlanta didn’t wait for the equaliser, thanks to Jamal Thiare’s strike two minutes later.

In the 21st minute, Dax McCarty found Aleksey Miranchuk, who dished it to Thiare for the second goal and he helped the Five Stripes to take a 2-1 lead. It was the pathetic defence from Miami defender David Martínez. Meanwhile, Miami pulled off another goal which was disqualified as Diego Gomez was offside before sending the ball into the net.

Also Read: Orlando City storms into MLS semifinals after penalty shootout win over Charlotte

The second half started and it was a dominating display from Atlanta. However, Miami found the equaliser through Messi who scored his first goal of the playoffs, heading home a cross from Weigandt from the centre of the box. Slisz scored the winner after Miami defender Avilés went down in the 76th minute. Suarez’s one shot was also saved by Guzan through a dive to his left side. Later, Miami got two corners in injury time but failed to find an equaliser.

Atlanta to face Orlando City in conference semifinal

Inter Miami won the first game in the series but were outplayed by Atlanta in the next two games to face elimination. Atlanta United will now take on Orlando City in the Conference semifinals. The Five Stripes beat Charlotte FC 4-1 in penalty shootout on Saturday night. This game will be winner-take-all and Atlanta would enter as favourites after upsetting the best team of the Eastern Conference.

Atlanta Goalkeeper Guzan was adjusted as the player of the match for stunning saves during the games. He was on cloud nine after overcoming Miami on the road. “Grinding and believing. We were resilient. There’s some fairy dust in our locker room… proud of our guys. Guzan said after an emphatic 3-2 win.

Atlanta United

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

Miami vs Atlanta

MLS 2024

MLS Cup

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.