Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on brink of elimination in MLS Cup Playoffs after surprising loss at Atlanta United

Inter Miami will have a win-or-go-home game in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs after losing 2-1 to Atlanta United on Saturday to level the series at one game a piece. Xande Silva’s goal in stoppage time was the difference helping bail the Five Stripes out from a Brad Guzan error in the first half that handed a goal to Hector Martinez. The comeback win puts Inter Miami on the brink of elimination when they meet next Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Miami.

The early goal saw Federico Redondo press Guzan on a throw out of the back and the Atlanta keeper committed an error leading to the opener, and that was after Atlanta wre dominating the first half of play. They would rebound in the second half scoring two goals. Derrick Williams scored his first goal ever for Atlanta behind yet another assist from Pedro Amador before Silva’s epic winner. 

Miami had a chance to win the game via Diego Gomez but he drove his shot wide despite being right on net, and now all the pressure will be on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. It’s a hard job to follow up the Supporters Shield with an MLS Cup victory but when a team has Messi, they’re expected to win everything, including te decisive game. 

The absence of Sergio Busquets showed as Miami’s midfield lacked cohesion especially after Yannick Bright had to leave the match at the half with a hamstring injury. Tata Martino will now have to refocus his squad while also trying to see off an Atlanta United team that has nothing to lose.

After selling Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis during the season and with Rob Valentino taking over as interim manager, he has led them into the playoffs and now their playoff run will continue. The resilience in the side has shown during this period but they’ll have to keep it up for one more game.

Even Guzan responded to his mistake by making two big saves in front of the Atlanta United faithful, igniting the crowd. These are things that won’t travel to game three with them in a week which is where the Five Stripes will need to leave everything that they can on the pitch, and they’ve done just that so far. If Miami falter, they could be eliminated, making it a legacy-defining moment for Messi and the squad.

The expectations are high but so far they’ve reached them. Saturday’s loss only matters if it’s followed by another loss next week, so it’s clear what needs to be done to put this behind them and keep their hopes alive.