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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will aim to extend their bid for a domestic double when they face Atlanta United in the decisive Game 3 of their MLS Cup Eastern Conference Playoff series on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Atlanta staged a thrilling comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Miami in Game 2 last Saturday, with Xande Silva's dramatic strike in second-half stoppage time proving to be the difference. In Game 1, held on October 25, Miami had emerged victorious by the same scoreline.
Despite his remarkable form in the regular season—scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists in just 19 appearances—Messi has yet to find the back of the net in this playoff series. If he and his team can't step up in the crucial Game 3, Miami, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, could be eliminated before reaching the MLS Cup final. The Herons had already secured the Supporters’ Shield after setting an MLS record with 74 points during the regular season.
When is the match?
The match kicks off at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. Argentina) at Chase Stadium and can be streamed live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
With the series tied 1-1, following Miami’s win in Game 1 and Atlanta’s victory in Game 2, Saturday’s match will determine who advances. The scores in both games were 2-1, and now Messi and Inter Miami will look to keep their historic MLS season alive.
Messi has yet to score in his first two MLS playoff appearances. Will he make his mark in Game 3?
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Live Stream?
The match can be streamed live via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Is Messi playing tonight?
Yes, Messi is expected to start and captain Inter Miami for Saturday’s crucial playoff game.
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Prediction
Inter Miami 3, Atlanta United 1: Messi, Luis Suárez, and Diego Gómez are predicted to score for Inter Miami as they secure a win to advance to the next playoff round. Messi and Suárez, Miami’s top scorers, are expected to lead the attack, with Jordi Alba playing a key role in setting them up. Gómez, who has missed key opportunities in the previous games, is expected to find the net in this match. – Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter.
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Betting Odds
Here are the latest odds from BETMGM:
- Inter Miami (-275)
- Atlanta United (+575)
- Draw after regulation (+425)
- Over/under set at 3.5 goals.
How to Watch Other MLS Cup Playoffs Games Today
Saturday's match between No. 1 seed Inter Miami and No. 9 seed Atlanta is the final game of a playoff tripleheader. Earlier in the day, No. 3 Cincinnati will host No. 6 New York City FC at 4 p.m. ET, and No. 4 Orlando City will play No. 5 Charlotte at 6 p.m. ET, both available on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
In Friday’s action, LAFC, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, triumphed 1-0 over No. 8 Vancouver to complete their series win.
MLS Cup Playoff Semifinals Almost Set
The Western Conference semifinals are now set: No. 1 LAFC will face No. 4 Seattle, while No. 2 LA Galaxy will take on No. 6 Minnesota.
In the Eastern Conference, the winner of Saturday’s Inter Miami vs. Atlanta match will face the winner of Orlando City vs. Charlotte.
MLS Cup Playoff Dates
- Conference Semifinals: November 23-24
- Conference Finals: November 30-December 1
- MLS Cup Final: December 7
