Fireworks shot out from the rafters of Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on Saturday night, but there was nothing for the home team to celebrate. When the final whistle blew in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami had been beaten 3-2 by Atlanta United and eliminated from the MLS playoffs.

There will be no MLS Cup for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami this year. Atlanta United saw to that with a massive upset, sending the game’s most decorated player and biggest-spending team home earlier than anyone imagined.

Lionel Messi’s Major League Soccer season is over. So, what’s next for the Argentine World Cup champion in the United States? A look ahead to 2025-26.

The Argentine won't be in MLS forever and his shock early exit from the playoffs is an opportunity to really evaluate 'the Messi effect'

In a stunning upset,Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the 2024 MLS Cup favorite, were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday by ninth-seeded Atlanta United.

Ailing Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of Saturday’s Inter Miami game against Atlanta United, meaning Lionel Messi will be without one of his most trusted teammates for the win-or-else playoff matchup.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a shock elimination in the first round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs on Saturday, losing 3-2 to No. 9 seed Atlanta United on home soil in the best-of-three series decider.

Messi took to social media to make his feelings clear after Inter Miami's shocking first round MLS Playoffs exit.

Lionel Messi vowed to "come back stronger" in 2025, following Inter Miami's elimination for the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.