Inter Miami’s 2024 playoff journey came to an unexpected end after a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference series on Saturday. Despite Lionel Messi’s second-half equalizer, Atlanta’s Bartosz Slisz secured the game-winner with a 76th-minute header, sending Miami packing in a stunning first-round elimination.
The match took a controversial turn when Miami’s Tomás Avilés went down injured in the penalty area just before Slisz’s decisive goal. Miami players appealed for play to stop, but the referee allowed the game to continue, and Atlanta capitalized.
Messi’s Heroics Fall Short Against Atlanta’s Resilient Defense
Though Messi’s late equalizer gave Miami hope, he couldn’t overcome Atlanta’s determined defense in the end. Twice in the final moments, Messi took free kicks with the chance to level the score, but Atlanta’s wall blocked both attempts, sealing Miami’s defeat in one of the biggest upsets in MLS playoff history.
Inter Miami entered the playoffs with high expectations as the top seed, having broken the league record for most points in a season and earning the prestigious Supporters’ Shield. However, they ultimately fell to an Atlanta side that had only narrowly secured a playoff spot as the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference.
“We’ve become used to achieving our goals this year, but we couldn’t reach the most important one,” Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said, reflecting on the season’s disappointing conclusion.
Back-and-Forth Series Ends in Defeat for Miami
Miami began the series strong, winning Game 1 at home 2-1, but Atlanta bounced back to claim Game 2 by the same score. The decisive third game at Chase Stadium saw Miami start well, with Matías Rojas scoring in the 17th minute. Atlanta responded swiftly, equalizing just two minutes later through Jamal Thiare, who then scored again within minutes to put Atlanta ahead 2-1.
A near-goal for Miami in the 25th minute was overturned by an offside call on Diego Gómez, while a later appeal for a penalty due to a handball went unheeded, leaving Miami frustrated going into halftime.
In the second half, Messi scored to bring Miami level again, but Atlanta’s defense, backed by a heroic performance from 40-year-old goalkeeper Brad Guzan, held firm, ending Miami’s hopes for a comeback.
Miami’s Playoff Struggles Continue
This early exit extends Miami’s string of disappointing playoff performances. Since its debut in 2020, Miami has yet to progress beyond the first round. They lost to Nashville in their 2020 play-in match, fell to New York City FC in 2022, and missed the playoffs altogether last season despite Messi’s mid-year arrival.
With high-profile stars like Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Miami entered this season with sky-high expectations, especially under Martino, a former Barcelona coach. Despite these assets, defensive gaps and missed opportunities led to a short-lived postseason.
Martino acknowledged the team’s growth but noted the sting of unmet playoff aspirations. “Compared to where we were last year, there’s undeniable progress, but for these playoffs, we fell too short of expectations,” he said.
Financial Investment Fails to Guarantee Success
Inter Miami’s substantial payroll, led by Messi’s league-high $20.4 million salary, underscores the club’s heavy investment in pursuing championships. In contrast, Atlanta’s payroll is nearly $5 million less than Messi’s alone, highlighting Miami’s league-high $41.7 million investment in players. But this financial commitment wasn’t enough to carry them past Atlanta in the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding for 2025
With their 2024 campaign over, Miami now turns its focus to roster-building for 2025, when they’ll participate in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup. Suárez, whose contract ends this year, hinted that discussions are underway to extend his stay. Messi’s deal will keep him with Miami for at least another season at Chase Stadium.
While reflecting on the season, Martino was cautiously optimistic about Miami’s future. “The club has come a long way from where it was a year ago, and despite the bitter end, there’s no reason we can’t keep progressing next season,” he said. “Both the good and the setbacks this year have been steps forward in the club’s journey.”
Miami’s rapid rise this season shows promise for what lies ahead, and fans can look forward to another strong push for the title next year as the club continues to shape its legacy in the MLS.
