Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Disappoint Fans in G2 Loss vs. Atlanta in MLS Cup Playoffs

In a hard-fought battle featuring Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF, Atlanta United FC claimed a 2-1 victory with a dramatic extra-time goal, sealing the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and handing Miami a disappointing Game 2 loss in the MLS Eastern Conference Playoffs.

The 22-8-4 Miami team and the 10-10-14 Atlanta team are now knotted at 1-1 in the series thanks to a last minute goal by Atlanta’s Xande Silva.

It wasn’t until the 40th minute that either team found the net, with Miami striking first on a goal from David Martinez, assisted by Federico Redondo. Right after halftime, Atlanta responded with a goal from Derrick Williams, leveling the score at 1-1.

The score remained tied at the end of regulation, leading to four minutes of stoppage time. Right out of the gate, Atlanta’s Silva found the net off an assist from Aleksey Miranchuk, securing the victory.

Despite Miami holding 58.6 percent possession, they managed only two shots on goal compared to Atlanta’s four. Messi remains scoreless in his first MLS postseason games.

After the match, Miami fans took to social media to express their disappointment over the loss to the lower-ranked Atlanta team.

Miami and Atlanta will face off in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs next Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory in their postseason battle and move onto the quarterfinals.