Lionel Messi's first full season with Inter Miami FC ended on a disappointing note, as Atlanta United completed a comeback to win their best-of-three playoff series in the decisive third game, 3-2.
With Miami’s season over, attention is already turning to what comes next for Messi at the Florida club, where he has had a profound impact since joining in 2023. After the loss, Argentine head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino spoke about Messi's future in the post-match press conference.
“I actually don't know how limited [Messi's time in this league] is .There is a question of time passing, but I would not dare to say that it is so short. If you look at the context in which this began, it seems to me that the progress of the club is important.” Martino reflected on the significant progress the club has made since Messi’s arrival, with Miami's rise to prominence in the MLS following his signing," Martino said.
“The comparison of the last game of last season, back in October, with today's third game in the playoffs and this bitterness that we all have for not having progressed, is clear that the club's objectives have been modified and I think there is no reason for the club not to continue trying next year,” Martino continued, noting the shift in the team’s goals.
Inter Miami is led by former football stars David Beckham, who played for Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Martino summed up the season by saying, “What happened this year, the bad and the good in general have been better than everything that happened last year and I would say even from the entire life of the club.”
Disappointment After a Strong Regular Season
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, along with the signings of Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, immediately revitalized the team, lifting them from 14th in the Eastern Conference and 27th overall in the MLS standings to a dominant position in 2024. Messi contributed 23 goals and 13 assists in just 24 appearances.
However, despite Miami’s strong regular season form, the playoffs proved to be a different story. The team faced Atlanta United in the first round, with Atlanta having qualified for the playoffs in the final spot and advanced after beating Montreal CF in a wildcard game.
Miami's performance
Miami initially took the lead in the series with a victory in the first game, but Atlanta responded with a dramatic late winner from Xande Silva in the second game, with Messi having had a goal ruled offside just moments before Silva’s decisive strike.
In the tense third game, Miami took an early lead, but Atlanta quickly responded with two goals before halftime to lead 2-1. Atlanta’s veteran goalkeeper was key in denying Miami’s attacks, but Messi managed to score late in the second half to equalize. However, Atlanta struck back immediately, with Bartosz Slisz heading in a goal to seal the upset and eliminate the favorites from title contention.
Atlanta will now move on to face Orlando City in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Meanwhile, Inter Miami will have to wait for the start of the 2025 season in February, which will also mark Messi’s age-38.
