Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have said farewell to the 2024 MLS playoffs after falling to Atlanta United at home in perhaps one of the biggest upsets in recent MLS history.

Atlanta showed an incredible amount of resilience, responding to the pair of goals from The Herons in a matter of minutes and completely silencing the pink crowd in both halves.

Lionel Messi will play a three game series for the first time in his career.

Inter Miami suffered a last-minute loss in the MLS playoffs against Atlanta United in the second game of the three game series of the East Conference quarterfinals on Saturday, with an electric Mercedes-Benz Stadium putting a stop to Lionel Messi’s incredible streak with The Herons.

Watch: Brad Guzan mistake vs. Inter Miami

Lionel Messi’s MLS playoff debut was a success, with the Argentine star delivering on and off the pitch. This time, he took his stardom to the world of TikTok.

Inter Miami wins first-ever MLS playoff match; cruises past Atlanta United

Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 2-1 to win their first-ever MLS playoff match in Fort Lauderdale's Chase Stadium on Friday.

The former FC Barcelona duo comprised of Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba delivered the pair of goals that put Miami closer to the next round. Messi also provided an assist.

After clinching MLS playoff berths with regular-season-ending wins on Saturday, CF Montreal and Atlanta United will square off in the Eastern Conference's wild-card match on Tuesday.

Marco Reus had a goal and an assist in his MLS debut after entering the game just beyond the hour mark, and the LA Galaxy pulled away for a 2-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United on Saturday night.

Watch: Marco Reus LA Galaxy debut goal and assist

Reus — in his first action since completing a move from his longtime German club Borussia Dortmund — entered in the 62nd minute, set up Riqui Puig's go-ahead goal in the 76th and scored off a rebound on his own miss in the 84th.

Dax McCarty plans to retire at the end of the 2024 season, his 19th in Major League Soccer.

The 37-year-old McCarty signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in January, featuring an option for the 2025 season. But he won't be using that option.

Dax McCarty retiring

Atlanta United striker Giōrgos Giakoumakīs is set to move to Mexico's Cruz Azul on a $10 million transfer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic.

Giōrgos Giakoumakīs to join Liga MX's Cruz Azul, according to reports

The reports indicated that an agreement was reached but the deal was not finalized.

Giōrgos Giakoumakīs to Cruz Azul, here we go! Deal in place for $10m guaranteed fee.

Medical test and travel due to take place next week.

Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis was named the 2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year on Thursday.

2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year

An immediate impact in the ️.

Newcomer of the Year: Giorgos Giakoumakis. pic.twitter.com/AyHGq9slod

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2023

Some Major League Soccer fans weren’t pleased to hear the news that Lionel Messi was one of three finalists for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award. While the Argentine World Cup winner dominated headlines, he only made six MLS appearances.

Messi joins Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis and St. Louis City midfielder Eduard Löwen as the finalists for the newcomer award.

Here’s a brief overview of the three players’ MLS stats this season.

Giakoumakis