Inter Miami suffered a dramatic early exit from the 2024 MLS playoffs, falling 3-2 to Atlanta United in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference series at Chase Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite Lionel Messi’s second-half header that momentarily leveled the score, Bartosz Slisz’s decisive 76th-minute goal secured victory for Atlanta, sealing Miami’s fate.

The winning goal came amidst controversy as Miami defender Tomás Avilés lay injured in the penalty area, prompting Miami players to call for the referee to halt play.

Manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino criticized the decision: “In the first half there is a clear, very clear penalty… Luis’ [Suárez] shot hits him in the hand and the referee did not even check… this play that for me is decisive.”

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami looks on before attempting a free kick against Atlanta United during the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs at Chase Stadium. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Miami entered the playoffs with high hopes, topping the Eastern Conference after setting a new league record for points and claiming the Supporters’ Shield.

However, their postseason struggles continued, reminiscent of first-round eliminations in 2020 and 2022.

Atlanta’s triumph was all the more shocking given their ninth-place finish in the conference, qualifying for the postseason with a last-day win.

Though Messi and Suárez were prolific during the regular season, scoring 20 goals each, defensive shortcomings and a great performance by Atlanta’s 40-year-old goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, proved too much for Miami to overcome.

Inter Miami now shifts focus to building for 2025, with Messi set for one more season and Suárez negotiating an extension.

The team also aims to make an impact in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup.