InterMiami CF narrowly lost 2-3 to Atlanta United on Saturday night in the decisive third match of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series, ending the team’s historic 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign . Midfielder Matías Rojas and captain Lionel Messi scored the team’s goals that evening at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami took the field with two changes to the starting XI from the second match of the series. Drake Callender started in goal; Marcelo Weigant; Tomás Avilés, David Martínez and Jordi Alba formed a back line of four; Benjamin Cremaschi, Federico Redondo and Rojas were in midfield; Messi and Diego Gómez flanked striker Luis Suárez to lead the team’s attack.

Inter Miami opened the match and took the lead in the 17th minute with a goal from Rojas. During a quick transition situation, Alba played a ball into space for Gómez down the left wing before finding Messi in the penalty area, with his subsequent left-footed effort saved by the Atlanta United goalkeeper. Rojas then took advantage of the rebound in the penalty area and sent the ball into the back of the net with a right-footed strike. The goal took his tally to five in the 2024 MLS campaign, and to nine in all competitions in 2024.

Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré then scored in the 19th and 21st minutes to give the visitors a 1-2 lead into halftime.

Inter Miami made a substitution in the 60th minute in search of an equalizer, with forward Leonardo Campana coming into the match in place of Cremaschi. Remarkably, the Ecuadorian forward registered his hundredth appearance for the team, becoming only the third player in club history to reach the hundred appearance mark.

Inter Miami equalized minutes later, with Messi leveling the score at 2–2 in the 65th minute. A team play started by Messi ended when Suárez found Weigandt on the right side of the opponent’s penalty area. The right-back then delivered a cross inside the penalty area for Messi, who sent the ball into the back of the net with a powerful header. The goal was Messi’s 21st this MLS season and 23rd in all competitions in 2024. The assist was Weigandt’s fourth this league match, while Suárez recorded his 10th assist with the secondary assist during the game.

Atlanta United midfielder Bartosz Slisz then scored in the 76th minute for the final 2-3 scoreline.

With the team falling into the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series, Inter Miami’s 2024 MLS season comes to an end. The 2024 MLS season saw Inter Miami make history, achieving several milestones, most notably winning the Supporters’ Shield to claim a second title in club history and setting the MLS regular season points record with 74 points.