The broadcast of Inter Miami's final game of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs sounded a little different, not just because of the stunned silence at Chase Stadium when Lionel Messi's team crashed out to underdog Atlanta United.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a shock elimination in the first round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs on Saturday, losing 3-2 to No. 9 seed Atlanta United on home soil in the best-of-three series decider.

Forty-two million dollars can buy a lot of things, but apparently it can’t buy an MLS championship, because for the second time in as many seasons Inter Miami came up short in trying to spend its way to a league title. This time it was Atlanta United ...