MLS Cup: Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Lose 3-2 To Atlanta United, Knocked Out Of Play-Offs

Atlanta United ousted Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, Major League Soccer’s biggest-spending team, earlier than anyone imagined from the MLS Cup playoffs. Jamal Thiare scored twice, Bartosz Slisz’s header in the 76th minute was the winner, and Atlanta United stunned Inter Miami 3-2 on Sunday (November 10, 2024) to win their best-of-three first-round playoff series in three games. Messi walked off the field and into the tunnel leading to the Inter Miami locker room a few seconds after the final whistle blew, hardly any emotion on his face.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 12 November 2024 8:58 am

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MLS: Inter Miami Vs Atlanta United | Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell

Atlanta United players celebrate as Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) leaves the pitch at the end of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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MLS: Atlanta United vs Inter Miami | Photo: AP/Lynne Sladky

Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) and defender Noah Cobb (24) celebrate at the end of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match against Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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MLS Cup: Inter Miami Vs Atlanta United | Photo: AP/Lynne Sladky

Atlanta United fans celebrate at the end of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match against Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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MLS Cup: Atlanta United vs Inter Miami | Photo: AP/Lynne Sladky

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) aims the ball during the second half of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match against Atlanta United in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Major League Soccer Cup: Atlanta United vs Inter Miami

Major League Soccer Cup: Inter Miami Vs Atlanta United | Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell

Atlanta United defender Stian Gregersen (5) blocks a kick by Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) during the second half of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Major League Soccer Cup: Inter Miami Vs Atlanta United

Major League Soccer Cup: Atlanta United vs Inter Miami | Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell

Atlanta United midfielder Bartosz Slisz (6) celebrates his goal with midfielder Saba Lobzhanidze (9) during the second half of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match against Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Inter Miami Vs Atlanta United | Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS playoff opening round soccer match against Atlanta United in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Atlanta United vs Inter Miami | Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell

Inter Miami midfielder Matías Rojas (7) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS playoff opening round soccer match against Atlanta United in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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MLS Atlanta FC Inter Miami Soccer | Photo: AP/Lynne Sladky

Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré (29) celebrates his goal during the first half of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match against Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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MLS playoff Opening Round Soccer Match | Photo: AP/Lynne Sladky

Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré (29) scores a goal against Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender (1) during the first half of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.