Inside Inter Miami discusses the club’s lofty expectations falling very short after a first round upset loss in a best-of-3 series to Atlanta United.

Lionel Messi’s Major League Soccer season is over. So, what’s next for the Argentine World Cup champion in the United States? A look ahead to 2025-26.

Fireworks shot out from the rafters of Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on Saturday night, but there was nothing for the home team to celebrate. When the final whistle blew in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami had been beaten 3-2 by Atlanta United and eliminated from the MLS playoffs.

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.

Lionel Messi’s presence in the MLS postseason will be missed. But Inter Miami’s elimination sets the tone for 2025 and possibly the World Cup in 2026.

The Herons' Round 1 playoff exit raises questions about their transfer and recruitment strategy over the past season

Lionel Messi departed Barcelona for Inter Miami in July 2023 and has been a revelation in the MLS in the time since, with the Argentine going on to help Miami to the Supporters' Shield this season

Lionel Messi has seen his behaviour questioned by USMNT legend Landon Donovan following a frustrating end to Inter Miami’s MLS campaign.