The Argentine won't be in MLS forever and his shock early exit from the playoffs is an opportunity to really evaluate 'the Messi effect'

Ailing Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of Saturday’s Inter Miami game against Atlanta United, meaning Lionel Messi will be without one of his most trusted teammates for the win-or-else playoff matchup.

In a stunning upset,Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the 2024 MLS Cup favorite, were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday by ninth-seeded Atlanta United.

Lionel Messi vowed to "come back stronger" in 2025, following Inter Miami's elimination for the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.

There will be no MLS Cup for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami this year. Atlanta United saw to that with a massive upset, sending the game’s most decorated player and biggest-spending team home earlier than anyone imagined.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a shock elimination in the first round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs on Saturday, losing 3-2 to No. 9 seed Atlanta United on home soil in the best-of-three series decider.

Inter Miami's record-breaking MLS season came to an unexpected and screeching halt in the first round of the playoffs against Atlanta United. The Herons—who finished the regular season with 74 points,

Inter Miami will reportedly be granted a place "among top seeds" for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in what is a huge boost to Lionel Messi's side.