Inter Miami Wins MLS Playoff vs. Atlanta

Lionel Messi made his Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff debut as Inter Miami faced Atlanta United, with every moment broadcasted via a dedicated 'Messi-cam' on TikTok, highlighting his influence on the team's popularity. Inter Miami, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs with a record 74 points and a .765 winning percentage, secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the Round of 16. Goals from Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba, the latter assisted by Messi, sealed the win, despite a first-half equalizer from Atlanta's Saba Lobjanidze. Messi, who finished the season with 20 goals and 16 assists, remains a contender for the league MVP title, celebrating Suárez's early goal with joy. He had multiple attempts on goal, all thwarted by Atlanta's goalkeeper Brad Guzan, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium. The injury of Ian Fray towards the end raised concerns for Inter Miami ahead of the second leg of the playoffs.