Substitute Fafà Picault scored for Inter Miami CF in the 89th minute, and Lionel Messi struck for the first time this MLS regular season in a dramatic 2-1 victory at Atlanta United FC on Sunday. Miami (3-1-0) triumphed despite six saves from Atlanta's Brad Guzan,

The best-of-three series ended the Herons' season early after they had set an MLS record with a haul of 74 points in the regular season. Messi went on to be named 2024 MLS MVP, but the more important team trophy eluded him.

Lionel Messi enacted a measure of revenge against the side that eliminated him from last year’s MLS play-offs by finding the back of the net in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Sunday.The Herons suffered a shock upset to Atlanta in the opening round of the MLS Cup play-offs last year,