Messi's Postseason Dreams Dashed: Atlanta's Stunning Victory

Lionel Messi's inaugural MLS postseason run was cut short as Inter Miami fell to Atlanta United 3-2. Despite a promising start, Miami couldn't maintain its lead against Atlanta's resilient performance, spearheaded by Bartosz Slisz's decisive header. Miami's regular-season dominance failed to continue into the postseason.

Lionel Messi's debut in the MLS playoffs ended unexpectedly on Saturday, as Atlanta United's Bartosz Slisz scored the winning goal, leading to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Inter Miami.

Jamal Thiare quickly put Atlanta on the scoreboard in the 19th minute, scoring again two minutes later before Slisz secured the victory in the 76th minute, guaranteeing Atlanta a spot in the semi-finals against Orlando City SC. Despite Miami entering the game as heavy favourites after setting a record 74 points in the regular season, they couldn't maintain their lead following Matias Rojas' 17th-minute goal and Messi's 65th-minute score.

"There's some fairy dust in our locker room," remarked Atlanta's goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who stood firm against Miami's relentless attack. The start of the game saw Miami fans watching anxiously as Thiare's early strike hit the woodwork during the intense battle for control.

Guzan made a crucial save, stopping Messi's powerful shot in the 17th minute, only to have Rojas capitalize on the rebound. Thiare responded quickly with a lofted shot to the right corner, followed by another finish after a clever play by Aleksey Miranchuk in the 21st minute.

Miami's midfielder Diego Gomez nearly brought the game to parity in the 24th minute, but his goal was overturned. Guzan continued to fend off Miami's advances, including a header from Jordi Alba, but Messi's header leveled the match. At a crucial juncture, Slisz rose to guide Pedro Amador's cross into the net, sealing Atlanta's win. Miami's late attempts, including a Messi free kick against a wall of Atlanta players, ultimately fell short.

(With inputs from agencies.)