Atlanta United Defeats Inter Miami 2-1 in Playoffs

Atlanta United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs, leveling the series at one game apiece. Xande Silva scored the winning goal in the 94th minute, shortly after a Lionel Messi goal was disallowed due to offside. The match, attended by 68,455 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, saw Atlanta rally from a 1-0 halftime deficit after a mistake by goalkeeper Brad Guzan allowed Miami's David Martínez to score. Derrick Williams equalized for Atlanta with a header in the 58th minute. Despite Miami's dominant possession in the first half and several scoring opportunities for Messi, Atlanta's resilience led to a decisive game three in South Florida. Atlanta hopes to upset a Miami squad that finished the regular season with a record-breaking points tally.