Dax McCarty and His Last Curtain Call

In his final year as a pro, McCarty stepped onto the field to live one of those stories only soccer can script. A journey brimming with pressure and gratitude, it’s his last goodbye to the turf he's ruled for 19 seasons. And, as if fate decided to write the grand finale itself, the opponent across the field is none other than Inter Miami with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and company.

The season began with a farewell feel for McCarty. Back in January, when he signed with Atlanta United, his words already had that weight; it was like he knew it was time to close the book. So, he dove in headfirst.

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Atlanta, of course, wasn’t in its best shape. It was a season of ups and downs, pressure, injuries, roster changes, you name it. In October, they said Atlanta's playoff chances were just 10%. But if there’s one thing soccer loves, it’s flipping the odds on their head. That’s exactly what the 5-Stripes did, turning things around and storming into the playoffs with a fire to make history. And if things weren’t already thrilling, their 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in front of a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium of 68,000 fans kicked the adrenaline into overdrive.

At 36, McCarty played with his heart out on his sleeve. He knows that hanging up his cleats is right around the corner. When he was subbed off during the 1-1 draw, he left the field with teary eyes, realizing he’d never feel that stadium roar again at a home game. Even the most composed player can’t ignore a moment like that. And when Xande Silva clinched the win with a dynamite goal, it was as if the stadium itself was beating in sync. This wasn’t just a win; it was a sendoff.

And now, they’re off again, headed for another clash with Inter Miami, only this time it’s in Fort Lauderdale. This time, though, there’s a twist: Atlanta United is well-rested and recharged. In the first game of the series, after a 2-1 loss, the team was worn down; it was their third game in six days, plus unexpected injuries hit them early. Now, they’ve got time, and maybe more importantly, they’ve got confidence. Confidence that they can go toe-to-toe with the MLS’s star-studded squad, confidence that they can beat Messi, Suárez, Alba, and Busquets.

In the midst of all this, Dax McCarty feels like the star of a show that’s part farewell, part redemption. This isn’t just his last game at home; it’s a chance to cap his career with a feat that’ll resonate through the league, a win against Messi’s team in a high-stakes game. And McCarty, with his 19-year career, isn’t about to let this moment slip by.