Well, not many saw this coming but the moment is here. Inter Miami, the winner of the MLS Supporters Shield, has been eliminated from the playoffs. Lionel Messi and his side stumbled against Atlanta United in Game 3, losing with a score of 2-3. Describing the match as charged with tension and controversy would be an understatement, especially given the heated discussions that have erupted online regarding Atlanta’s victory.

Lionel Messi brought a glimmer of hope to Inter Miami by scoring an equalizer to make it 2-2. However, their celebrations were short-lived when Bartosz Silsz regained the lead for Atlanta United shortly thereafter. And fans of the MLS side are particularly upset about how this goal was achieved.

For more context, during the buildup play, Tomas Aviles fell and remained on the ground. But the referee never blew the whistle and Atlanta fully capitalized on scoring the goal. It’s safe to say both Messi and Inter Miami supporters expressed their discontent over this decision on social media platforms.

A supporter addressed the critics who have been vocally asserting that Lionel Messi and Inter Miami receive preferential treatment. They pointed out how few favorable calls the team has had this season, using Atlanta United’s recent goal as a notable example.

Another fan directly labeled Atlanta United as “cowards” for their actions on the field. In soccer, players are expected to demonstrate sportsmanship by kicking the ball out when an opponent is down, a gesture that was absent from Atlanta United’s play and hasn’t sat right with some fans.

Yet, there is also active debate online with many defending the legitimacy of Atlanta’s goal. One fan harshly told Inter Miami supporters to “Cry some more,” highlighting tensions among fans.

Another reminded everyone that according to standard rules, play continues until the referee intervenes, arguing this justifies the goal entirely.

There were also some fans of Lionel Messi who believed that this was the right call. One fan even criticized Inter Miami’s defense for not continuing their efforts during play and called it “fair game.”

Clearly, this particular goal has sparked significant controversy. Additionally, Tata Martino, head coach of Inter Miami, expressed his thoughts on the matter too. He believes that Atlanta United demonstrated poor sportsmanship regarding their scoring move.

Tata Martino fires shot after Lionel Messi’s MLS Cup dream ended

Following the big loss Martino sat down in a press conference to discuss the game. When the subject of the contentious goal arose, he pointed out a comparable situation from their last match. He recalled how in Game 2, Ajani Fortune was lying on the ground when Luis Suarez halted play by kicking the ball out.

In a jab at Atlanta United for not following suit during this match, he remarked, “That’s what we would’ve done.” Regardless of which perspective is valid, one thing remains clear. For Lionel Messi to secure his first MLS Cup continues to be an unfulfilled aspiration.