There will be no MLS Cup for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami this year. Atlanta United saw to that with a massive upset, sending the game’s most decorated player and biggest-spending team home earlier than anyone imagined.

After winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new record for the most points in a season, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are out of the MLS Cup playoffs in the first round following a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United on Saturday.

Supporters' Shield winners Inter Miami and superstar Lionel Messi did not expect to have their backs against the wall so early in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, in a winner-take-all matchup with wild card winners Atlanta United.