In a match that will be remembered as one of the most shocking upsets in Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff history, Inter Miami was eliminated in the first round of the 2024 playoffs after a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat to Atlanta United. Fans gathered at Chase Stadium filled with hopes of advancement were left in disbelief as their star-studded roster, featuring the legendary Lionel Messi, succumbed to unexpected failure. Despite Miami entering the postseason as the top seed and boasting a league record with an impressive 79 goals during the regular season, their journey ended abruptly, revealing the unpredictability of knockout-style play.
Miami took an early lead thanks to Matías Rojas, who found the net in the 17th minute, igniting hope among supporters. However, the game’s tides shifted dramatically minutes afterwards when Atlanta’s Jamal Thiare equalized, subsequently scoring the go-ahead goal to make it 2-1. This rapid change in scoreline highlighted a glaring issue that plagued Miami throughout the match – defensive frailties. Although Messi managed to net an equalizer, it became evident that Miami’s defensive line was vulnerable, especially with defender Tomás Avilés down and receiving treatment during a critical moment of the game. This sequence underscored the fragility of Miami’s defense at the worst possible time, one that cost them dearly as Bartosz Slisz delivered a decisive header just moments later.
Lionel Messi had the chance to further shift the momentum in Miami’s favor with two free kicks late in the game. However, his efforts were thwarted by the resilient Atlanta wall. These missed opportunities, combined with critical defensive errors, underscored the pressures that come with playoff expectations. For a team that boasted some of the world’s most renowned talents—including Messi alongside Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets—failure to convert these critical chances raised questions about the team’s collective performance under such intense scrutiny.
Historically, top seeds have had a strong advantage in the MLS playoffs; however, the past two decades have shown a worrying trend for such teams. In the first seven seasons of league play, the top seed clinched the MLS Cup four times. Yet, in the last 22 years, only four top seeds have gone on to secure the championship title. For Inter Miami, this loss added to its dismal postseason history. Despite being co-owned by David Beckham, the club has failed to advance beyond the first round since its inaugural season in 2020, a disheartening statistic that has now become part of the franchise’s narrative.
Looking Ahead
The early exit forces Inter Miami to re-evaluate its strategies for the future. With a record payroll of $41.7 million for the current season, one would expect more substantial results in the playoff arena, especially with Messi’s hefty $20 million contract eclipsing Atlanta’s entire payroll. As Miami’s roster begins preparations for the 2025 season, team management must address not only the need for defensive reinforcements but also evaluate contract negotiations involving key players like Suárez, whose future remains uncertain. The incorporation of high-caliber talent paired with underwhelming playoff performances may compel the club to reconsider its approach as it prepares for an expanded roster in the upcoming 32-team Club World Cup.
The Elusive Pursuit of Glory
As the dust settles on a disappointing postseason, the focus shifts to what lies ahead for Inter Miami. Despite the star-studded roster, including several Barcelona luminaries and a celebrated coach in Gerardo Martino, the aim of establishing Miami as a dominant force in MLS continues to elude them. The overwhelming anticipation surrounding Messi’s arrival, while initially promising a renaissance for the franchise, now looms trailed by the burden of high expectations. The club stands at a pivotal crossroads: adapting its strategy to maximize talent while addressing critical gaps in performance or continuing to witness missed opportunities on the grand stage. The 2024 season may have drawn to a close, but for Inter Miami, the quest for glory is far from over.