Fireworks shot out from the rafters of Inter Miami ’s Chase Stadium on Saturday night but there was nothing to celebrate. When the final whistle blew in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami had been beaten 3-2 by Atlanta United and eliminated from the MLS playoffs.

Inter Miami’s 2024 campaign came to an unexpected end with a first-round elimination in the MLS Playoffs. Despite the early exit, Lionel Messi still has crucial matches ahead. Inter Miami entered the MLS Playoffs with high hopes of reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in their history.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a shock elimination in the first round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs on Saturday, losing 3-2 to No. 9 seed Atlanta United on home soil in the best-of-three series decider.