The much-awaited Inter Miami vs Atlanta United showdown in MLS Cup playoffs was Roger Federer’ moment knocked out by Thanasi Kokkinakis. As Atlanta United clinched a shocking 3-2 win to move to Eastern Conference semifinals, and Messi and Inter Miami out before their party began. This euphonic confrontation, Inter Miami vs Atlanta United took place at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale on November 10, 2024 being the third and finally decisive battle of the first round’s playoffs weren’t without spectacular moments and twists and turns including a contentious conclusion.
The Setting: High Expectations for Inter Miami
This was all set up for a clash of the titans as Inter Miami started the match as one of the contenders. As a team that scored the most points in an MLS season and won the Supporters’ Shield, the team that was fronted by Lionel Messi had all the reason to go far in the playoffs. Consequently, when great football talent superstar Messi joined the ranks of Inter Miami, many expected the team to clinch the first MLS trophy this season.
And yet Atlanta United, seeded ninth and deemed to be some of the bedraggled underdogs, had already demonstrated their mettle by winning the stupendously tense wild-card affair. Their manager, Rob Valentino, had made them believe that anything was possible and they were willing to upset the applecart of MLS once more.
The Early Moments: Atlanta’s Quick Fire Goals
This is true because the match of Inter Miami vs Atlanta United started with much aggression and fifty minutes into the match, there was drama. As early as the 19th minute, the team from Atlanta United had scored a embarrassing the home team supporters by making Jamal Thiare take the lead. Just two minutes after the restart, Thiare struck again to make it double for Columbus with a header that Inter Miami’s defense could not contain.
This early pressure put Inter Miami on the back foot, and even though they controlled the ball and had several waves of chances, by the 21st minute, it was 2-0 in Blitzer’s favor. The home side continued to attack vigorously, but Atlanta’s defense, spear headed by experienced goal keeper Brad Guzan stood as a wall, preventing Messi and Suarez from scoring.
Inter Miami Fights Back: Messi’s Header
Still, Atlanta began to look like they might be able to maintain this lead, but then in the 24th minute, Inter Miami struck gold. Perhaps the best chance of the match was created by Diego Gomez, who managed to weave in and out of the stars of the American team and in a superb piece of work even beat Guzan, only to have the linesman flag for offside at the last second. The second contentious goal was also cleared by VAR to ensure the score remained 2-1 to the visitors.
Still this could not deter Inter Miami from pushing forward. They scored a landmark equalizer in the second half; Lionel Messi rising above the defense to make a header and make the scores 2-2 in the 65th minute.
The Miami fans erupted into celebration when Messi scored the goal that brought Miami back to life in the match.
Atlanta’s Resilience: The Game-Changing Goal
Inter Miami began looking more commanding only for the tide to turn around again for Atlanta United. Miami had a bad luck at some point in the match when one of their players fainted, unfortunately the referee kept the game moving. Pedro Amador conducted a perfect cross that was met by Bartosz Slisz with an equally perfect header to put Atlanta back in the lead though it was 3-2 this time round.
It became a powerful shock for the team and Goal put Inter Miami on the defense once again. The Herons went attack crazy in search of an equalizer and Messi, Suarez and others created chances for themselves. However, Guzan the man who has just entered the last chapter of his career, was inspired to help Atlanta pull off many great saves
A Nail-Biting Finale: Messi’s Stare and the Final Whistle
Inter Miami vs Atlanta United match reached the final stages, and tensions started to rise up. Angrily responding to the disappointed attitude on the face of Messi, the Argentine gave a nasty look to the referee and the Atlanta players after a number of fouls committed against his side. The excitement on the pitch was parallel to the emotions topping up on the stands; Miami fans remained hopeful waiting for that final miracle.
At the end of the fifth added time, inter Miami had the last opportunity to level the play. Messi, who is usually deadly with free-kicks, took a free-kick and directed it at the middle of the Atlanta penalty area, but the ball was cleared and the visitors came close to holding their own wall.
Brad Guzan’s heroic performance, combined with Atlanta’s tactical discipline and timely goals, meant that Inter Miami’s dreams of an MLS Cup were dashed in the most dramatic of fashions.
But the referee had the last word and when he blew his whistle for the final time, Atlanta United had won 3-2 and are now through to the Eastern Conference semifinals but Messi and his team were heading home.
The Aftermath: Messi’s Reaction and What Next for Inter Miami
The defeat was a massive shock to Messi as he wishes to help Inter Miami clinch the MLS Cup, which turned out to be mammals. Substituted early into the second half, the Argentine appearance slightly frustrated expressed his discomfort after the fulltime whistle and was seen hugging his teammates.
This early exit defines a bitter reality check to what has otherwise been a fabulous season for the Herons, including this historic triumph of the Supporters’ Shield.
For the Atlanta United nonetheless this victory was one of the greatest ever seen in the recent history of the MLS. In having been one of the weakest teams during a regular season one must acknowledge their great character knowing that they swept the most loaded team in the League.
While Inter Miami attempts at figuring out what went wrong, fans and critics will focus on how they can build for the future, but at the same time, Atlanta United will seek to maintain the new found momentum and go in search of their next match which is against Orlando City.
Conclusion: Inter Miami vs Atlanta United
The Inter Miami vs Atlanta United was a clear example of soccer matches that anything is possible in the day when there is a match. It could have been a match of unfulfilled promises for Inter Miami and a classic tale of thinking outside the box: It was the underdog which, with a lot of effort, seized the day. This exciting match has to be one of the most important, dramatic and unforgettable playoff in recent MLS history
This shocking result will continue to be felt for weeks on the road to the MLS Cup playoffs and both teams will be hopeful for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inter Miami vs Atlanta United
When was Inter Miami vs Atlanta United played?
The match was played on November 10, 2024, in a MLS Cup Playoffs category.
What was the score when Inter Miami met Atlanta United?
It took the team through regulations to seal the win, with Atlanta United winning the match by 3-2 thus eliminating Inter Miami from the playoffs.
Who took the goals for Inter Miami?
Matias Rojas from Inter Miami put the ball into the back of the net making the score 1-0 in the 17th minute and Lionel Messi made the score 2-0 in the 65th minute.
Besides goalkeeper Brad Guzan, which player played for the Atlanta United team?
For Atlanta United the goals were scored by Khalil Thiaré who netted a brace in the 19th and 21 minutes while Bartosz Slisz scoring the third and final goal in the 76th minute of the match.
How did Brad Guzan fare in the match?
Key Inter Miami player, Ahmed Kantari was a menace to the chicken’s defense and even though Atlanta United FC had more possession of the ball, they rarely threatened in the second part of the game until finally, Brad Guzan made several good saves to keep Inter Miami from scoring.
What were the factors that caused controversy in the first half?
Inter Miami had a goal from Diego Gomez cut short after the referee flagged him offside though the review by the VAR confirmed this decision.
What does the Atlanta United need to look forward to?
Atlanta United now moves to the next stage of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Orlando City.
