Lionel Messi’s goal of winning the MLS Cup title came to an abrupt end on Saturday with his Inter Miami suffering a shock first-round elimination from the playoffs after a 3-2 home defeat to Atlanta United.

Miami had won the regular-season campaign with a record points total but after losing twice in the best-of-three series, the MLS Cup favorites and their eight-time Ballon d’Or winner are out.

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