Lionel Messi made it his goal to win the MLS Cup. Inter Miami was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs with an unexpected 3-2 loss to Atlanta United at home despite scoring a goal. Despite winning the regular season by a record number of points, the favorites were eliminated early after losing two of the three-game series.
Miami scored the opening goal of the match. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan stopped Messi with a diving save in the 17th minute. Later Matias Rohas shook the net from a loose ball. After two minutes, however, Atlanta equalized. Dax McCarty's deflected pass fell to Jamal Thier. He sent it to the net when he got the chance. After a while, however, Thierry left Miami stunned. Scored again and gave Atlanta a 2-1 lead.
In the 23rd minute, Diego Gomez thought he had equalized for Miami. But his shot was ruled out for offside. Miami tried again and again to equalize, but Atlanta goalkeeper Guzan let them down. Messi made the score 2-2 in the 65th minute. A superb header from Marcelo Viegante's cross rattled the net.
Miami's forwards then went wild for the winning goal. But Atlanta left them disappointed. Instead they scored themselves to secure a 3-2 win. In the 76th minute, Polish midfielder Bartos Slys headed from Pedro Amador's cross.
