After winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new record for the most points in a season, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are out of the MLS Cup playoffs in the first round following a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United on Saturday.

Lionel Messi walked off the field and into the tunnel leading to the Inter Miami locker room a few seconds after the final whistle blew, hardly any emotion on his face. He didn't want to see the celebration.

Supporters' Shield winners Inter Miami and superstar Lionel Messi did not expect to have their backs against the wall so early in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, in a winner-take-all matchup with wild card winners Atlanta United.