The Argentine star Lionel Messi, regarded by many as the greatest player in history, promised to return stronger next season in Major League Soccer (MLS) following the surprising elimination of Inter Miami in the first round of the playoffs.
In the matchup against Atlanta United, set for the best of three challenges, "Las Garzas" won the first game 2-1 but consecutively fell 1-2 and 2-3 against a team that finished in ninth place and advanced through the playoffs, marking the end of a promising cycle.
Despite the setback, the eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or expressed through Instagram: "The season has ended in which we continued to grow as a club, and although we achieved some goals, we wanted more. Thank you to everyone who stood by us and supported us. Now we will prepare to come back stronger next year."
The Miami team, featuring Messi and his friend Luis Suárez as key players, was favored to win its first MLS title after an impressive regular season in which it set a new points record.
Nevertheless, Lio and Inter Miami will participate in the 2025 Club World Cup, following the invitation extended by the International Football Federation (FIFA).
Messi, with a one-year contract extension, finished the season with 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches, marking a significant individual achievement after a year in which he also celebrated Argentina's title in the Copa América.
With the MLS season concluded for him, the left-footed player has rejoined the national team to continue the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
So far, the albiceleste leads the standings with a total of 22 points, ahead of Colombia (19), Uruguay (16), Brazil (16), Ecuador (13), and Paraguay (13) in the top six positions.
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