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.

Who would have thought that Inter Miami’s best-laid plans would go awry? Fresh off winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield, the Herons had everything set with their goal of winning the MLS Cup. But sadly,

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.