When it comes to MLS playoffs, one word nails it: intensity. Inter Miami, led by Messi and head coach Tata Martino, strides in with all eyes on them. Meanwhile, Atlanta United could pull off one of those wild playoff surprises, soccer’s notorious for delivering these stunners when you least expect it.
Miami has crushed the regular season, breaking records, snagging the Supporters' Shield, and crafting an identity almost overnight. Watching Messi with this team isn’t just about talent; it’s like he’s draped the squad in some kind of larger-than-life aura. Each game morphs into a spectacle, almost crossing into pure entertainment. With Messi on board, we’re talking 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games. The question is, can this regular-season dominance carry them through the playoffs? The beauty of MLS lies in its unpredictability; the top team can fall to a playoff underdog in the blink of an eye.
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Atlanta’s storyline, though, keeps things interesting. A season filled with ups and downs has shaped them into a resilient squad, rolling in with momentum after winning three straight, the latest on penalties against CF Montréal in the Wild Card round. In a Hollywood-esque twist, they climbed from 12th place to snag a playoff spot in the very last round, flaunting a grit few expected.
On paper, sure, Miami’s the favorite. With Messi, Jordi Alba, and the tactical mind of Tata Martino, they’ve built a trio that mixes experience with laser-sharp game vision. Martino’s not the type to bask in the Supporters' Shield win; he’s after the MLS Cup.
But let’s not sleep on Atlanta United’s strengths. To pull off the upset, they’ll need a near-flawless performance from goalie Brad Guzan, who’s going to be more like their "Berlin Wall," along with players like Alexey Miranchuk and Saba Lobjanidze, who have the pace and smarts to exploit any slip-ups from Miami.
And Messi? Coming in with six goals and four assists in just the last week, he’s got confidence soaring. But he’s not Miami’s only ace. With a rock-solid defense and a lethal offense, Inter Miami has every weapon needed to make this series a breeze.
Atlanta, though, knows all about being the underdog. Rob Valentino’s squad has shown they’re more than happy to play that role to their advantage. With the MLS’s unpredictability fueling the energy, this first round is bound to be electrifying. And that’s why Inter Miami, despite the favoritism, better not blink.