Tristan Muyumba and Brooks Lennon each scored first-half goals as Atlanta United also took advantage of an own goal to earn an impressive 5-2 victory Saturday over victory Inter Miami, who were without Lionel Messi. Despite the loss, Leonardo Campana's sombrero flick to goal combination in the first half to open the scoring was an absolute masterclass. Check it out below.
LEO. CAMPANA.
Former USMNT goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, had an amazing performance in Atlanta United’s unreal away victory against Inter Miami, being perhaps the main reason why we’ll see Atlanta in the next round.
The 40-year-old had a staggering seven saves against Lionel Messi and co., with the American’s performance making its way around social media.
Aging like fine wine
Legendary FC Barcelona left-back and now Inter Miami star, Jordi Alba, took no time in criticizing Major League Soccer’s playoff format after Inter Miami’s devastating loss in the first round of the 2024 MLS playoffs.
Jordi Alba critizes MLS format after first-round exit with inter Miami
The 35-year-old Spaniard has placed himself under the MLS limelight after quickly choosing to criticize MLS’ playoff format following The Herons’ huge upset-loss against Atlanta United through a three-game series.
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
Put this clip into the MLS Hall of Fame.
During the match between St. Louis CITY and Atlanta United this Saturday — a game that saw both teams divide points following a 1-1 draw — a refereeing decision helped by the VAR, announced to the entire stadium, had fans wishing they had not celebrated the call so early. You need to see this.
Watch: Referee trolls fans with Video Review announcement in St. Louis CITY-Atlanta United