Atlanta Stuns Messi’s Inter Miami in Last-Second MLS Playoff Thriller

In a heart-stopping finish to Saturday night’s MLS playoff game, Atlanta United pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Inter Miami 2-1, keeping their championship hopes alive and dealing a blow to Lionel Messi’s quest for MLS Cup glory.

In front of a roaring home crowd of 68,455 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta’s Portuguese winger Xande Silva scored a sensational goal in the dying moments, leveling the best-of-three playoff series at 1-1. This sets up a decisive game three showdown in Miami next Saturday, with the winner moving forward.

Inter Miami, who entered the match as favorites after a 2-1 win in the first game, appeared to be on track to clinch the series. They took the lead in the 40th minute when Paraguayan midfielder David Martinez capitalized on a rare mistake by veteran Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Guzan, attempting a routine clearance, mishit the ball under pressure, allowing Federico Redondo to intercept and pass to Martinez for an easy tap-in.

Atlanta, however, wasn’t ready to give up. They came out of halftime with renewed intensity, launching a series of relentless attacks on Miami’s defense. Their efforts paid off in the 58th minute when Derrick Williams powered home a header, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting the home crowd.

The rest of the game was a tense, end-to-end affair with both teams creating chances. Atlanta’s Saba Lobjanidze nearly sealed the game in the 89th minute with a powerful shot that Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, managed to deflect onto the crossbar.

As the match headed into stoppage time, it seemed destined for a penalty shootout. But in the closing seconds, Atlanta launched one last attack. Aleksey Miranchuk found Silva, who didn’t miss, firing a shot into the top corner to secure a thrilling win for Atlanta.

“Words can’t describe it. They’re such a resilient group,” Atlanta coach Rob Valentino said post-match. “I told the team before the game—it’s everybody together, not just one person. And then a substitute comes on and wins us the game.”

Elsewhere in the MLS playoffs on Saturday, New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 3-1 to force a winner-takes-all game three in their series.

As the playoff drama continues to unfold, the next matchup between Atlanta and Miami promises to be a high-stakes battle with everything on the line.