Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on verge of elimination in MLS Cup playoffs after surprising defeat at Atlanta United
Inter Miami will take a winner-take-all game or go home in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs after losing 2-1 to Atlanta United on Saturday to even the series at one game apiece. Xande Silva’s stoppage-time goal was the difference, helping the Five Stripes recover from a first-half error by Brad Guzan that allowed a goal to Hector Martinez. This comeback victory puts Inter Miami on the brink of elimination when they meet next Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Miami.
The first goal saw Federico Redondo press Guzan on a throw out of the back and the Atlanta goalkeeper made a mistake leading to the opener, and that was after Atlanta had dominated the first half of the game. They would bounce back in the second half scoring two goals. Derrick Williams scored his first goal for Atlanta behind another assist from Pedro Amador before Silva’s epic winner.
Miami had a chance to win the game through Diego Gomez, but he sent his shot wide despite being right on goal, and now all the pressure will be on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. It’s hard work to follow up the Supporters Shield with an MLS Cup victory, but when a team has Messi, they’re expected to win everything, including the decider.
The absence of Sergio Busquets showed that Miami’s midfield lacked cohesion, especially after Yannick Bright had to leave the game at halftime with a hamstring injury. Tata Martino will now have to refocus his squad while trying to get rid of an Atlanta United team that has nothing to lose.
After selling Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis during the season and with Rob Valentino as interim coach, he led them to the playoffs and their playoff run will now continue. The team’s resilience showed during this period, but they will need to maintain it 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 make it to the third game with them in a week, where the Five Stripes will have to leave everything they can on the field, and that’s exactly what they’ve done so far. If Miami fails, they could be eliminated, making this a defining moment for Messi and the team.
Expectations are high but so far they have been met. 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.