Inter Miami Stunned by Atlanta United in MLS Playoff Thriller

Figure 1 Photo by Daniel Suarez

In a shocking turn of events, Inter Miami's MLS Cup dreams came to an abrupt end after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in Game 3 of their best-of-three playoff series. Despite Lionel Messi's towering header to equalize in the second half, Atlanta's Bartosz Slisz delivered a match-winning goal that left fans at DRV PNK Stadium stunned.

Atlanta, who advanced to the first round after a penalty shootout win in the wild-card round, struck early with two quick goals. Miami fought back, with Messi leveling the score at 2-2, but Brad Guzan’s stellar goalkeeping and Slisz’s header sealed the upset. The fiery encounter included heated moments, with Guzan shoved into the net amid the chaos, but Atlanta emerged victorious and moved on to face Orlando City in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Inter Miami, the top seed and Supporters’ Shield winners, were favorites to dominate the playoffs. However, their exit highlights the unpredictability of the postseason and leaves fans wondering what could have been for Messi’s debut season in MLS.