It was on a dramatic Saturday evening that Inter Miami found itself stunned as Lionel Messi and his team lost out against Atlanta United, thereby going early out of the MLS playoffs. Fans and analysts had high hopes for the Argentine superstar and his Miami teammates, who were left in the cold. However, even though Messi came in there with so much energy to his game and took his team through a good summer campaign that could not make them outlast a very solid Atlanta United.
The game began very intensely as both teams saw a fierce determination for the possession. Atlanta United showed a lot of determination, taking advantage of the home field, and skillfully carrying a superbly planned strategy to boycott Messi’s influence on the pitch. Miami was unable to gain their rhythm as it was a strong Atlanta defense. With such drive and offense, Atlanta’s offense resulted in scoring opportunities for them as the time got ticking down, making Miami go defensive for the Atlanta lead that they never came near surmounting in the match with Messi.
Messi was visibly frustrated as his flair and vision, for which he has managed limited success, still failed to galvanize a Miami side looking for a comeback after a mediocre season had seen the team start at the bottom, joining Inter Miami mid-season. He did flashes of brilliance, but Atlanta’s strategy to neutralize the threat of the star forward resulted in limiting his playmaking ability.
Inter Miami’s exit from the early stages of the playoffs marked the end of a rollercoaster season in which the team rose in popularity and success following the arrival of Messi. His influence was immediately felt in a record-breaking crowd and renewed interest in MLS, but the all-season struggles finally caught up with the team in missing the playoffs.
For Atlanta United, this is a must-win as it propels them further into the postseason. Winning over Miami assures them quite well for their shot at the MLS Cup.
Inter Miami takes time on this season and Messi’s debut on American soil. It would be centered on how to better surround Messi to return much stronger next season in MLS.
