Saturday stunner: Atlanta United ousts Lionel Messi and top seed Inter Miami from MLS playoffs

Several Atlanta United players jump in the air next to the goal.
Atlanta United defender Stian Gregersen (5) blocks a kick by Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) during the second half of their MLS playoff opening round soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Lionel Messi walked off the field and into the tunnel leading to the Inter Miami locker room a few seconds after the final whistle blew, hardly any emotion on his face.

He didn’t want to see the celebration.

Atlanta United ousted Messi and Major League Soccer’s biggest-spending team earlier than anyone imagined from the MLS Cup playoffs. Jamal Thiaré scored twice, Bartosz Slisz’s header in the 76th minute was the winner, and Atlanta United stunned Inter Miami 3-2 on Saturday night to win their best-of-three first round playoff series in three games.