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Messi`s MLS Season Ends in Playoff Upset

Lionel Messi's first full season with Inter Miami FC came to a dramatic close as the team suffered a playoff upset against Atlanta United. Despite a dominant regular season, where Messi contributed 23 goals and 13 assists in just 24 matches, Inter Miami failed to translate this form into playoff success.

In the first round playoff series, Inter Miami took an early lead but ultimately fell to Atlanta United in the deciding game. The match saw a back-and-forth contest, with Atlanta taking a 2-1 lead into halftime and later scoring the decisive goal through Bartosz Slisz after Messi had equalized with a header late in the second half.

The loss marked a bitter end to a season that had seen significant improvements for Inter Miami, thanks in part to the additions of Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets following Messi's arrival. Coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino reflected on the progress of the club, noting that while the season's end was disappointing, the overall performance was better than in previous years.

Martino also addressed the future of Messi at Inter Miami, suggesting that while time is a factor, he does not see Messi's time in the league as particularly short. With the 2025 season set to begin in February, Inter Miami will now face a long wait to regroup and prepare for another competitive year.

#Messi,#InterMiami,#MLSPlayoffs,#AtlantaUnited,#Soccer