World’s greatest of time Lionel Messi and his team Inter Maimi were knocked out of the MLS Cup play-offs and this has gotten many talking. The Argentine star scored but Inter Miami suffered a shock first-round exit. Atlanta United beat them 3-2 in the best-of-three decider in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after both sides had won one game each.
Inter Miami Suffer Early Knock Despite Lionel Messi’s Goal
Inter Miami finished the regular season with a 74 points which is record from 34 games in the Eastern Conference to win the Supporters’ Shield. Miami took the lead at Chase Stadium when Matias Rojas scored from a rebound after keeper Brad Guzan had denied Messi.
But Atlanta came back in the game as they scored two goals in two minutes from Jamal Thiare. Miami got back as they scored the equalizer from Lionel Messi. The game was looking well until Bartosz Slisz scored the winner.
Miami signed Luiz Suarez, reuniting him with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba but it did not help. Atlanta scraped into the play-offs by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference, then beat Montreal on penalties in a wildcard game to set up a meeting with Miami.
Atlanta will play Orlando City, and New York City face New York Red Bulls, in the semi-final, which are decided by one game rather than three. The winners will meet in the Eastern Conference final, and the winners of that will play the Western Conference play-off champions in the MLS Cup final on 7 December.
