In a stunning upset, Atlanta United eliminated Inter Miami and soccer superstar Lionel Messi from the MLS playoffs with a 3-2 victory. Jamal Thiaré scored two quick goals in the first half, followed by a game-winning header from Bartosz Slisz in the 76th minute. Despite Messi's equalizing header in the 65th minute, Miami could not regain the lead, and their season ended prematurely as the top seed. This marks the first time since 2019 that Atlanta has advanced past the first round of the MLS playoffs, setting them up for a semifinal clash against Orlando City SC. The defeat highlights the unpredictability of the playoffs, as the top-seeded team has struggled to secure titles in recent years, with this loss being one of the biggest upsets in MLS history. Atlanta's win also underscores the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference, now wide open after several lower-seeded teams advanced.