MLS Cup 2024: How Much Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Will Miss After Shock Exit

• Inter Miami were eliminated from the 2024 MLS Cup in the first round after a brilliant display by Atlanta United
• The result was a surprise given Inter Miami's superior form in the regular season leading to the playoffs
• Legit.ng looks at the prize money on offer for the different stages of the playoffs after Lionel Messi's season ended

Lionel Messi suffered a shock exit when Atlanta United dumped his Inter Miami side out of the MLS Cup in the first round of the playoffs.

The contest needed three legs to be decided, with Atlanta beating Miami 3-2 at the Chase Stadium on Sunday morning to complete the incredible turnaround.

Both sides had won a game apiece, forcing the third tie to decide who would qualify for the Conference semi-finals.

Inter Miami knocked out of MLS Cup

Matias Rojas opened the scoring for Tata Martino's side but Jamal Thiare responded with a quickfire double to take Atlanta in front heading into the break.

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Messi scored a rare header in the 65th minute to restore parity, but Bartosz Slisz scored for Atlanta to knock out the Herons.

It was a shock result, given that Miami were the first seed heading into the playoffs. Messi's side made history by accumulating the most points in the regular season to win the Supporters Shield.

The exit means that Messi's season is now over with Atlanta proceeding to face Charlotte in the Conference semis.

MLS Cup Prize Money

The elimination will have a ripple effect, with Miami now set to miss out on the hefty prize money that comes with reaching the latter stages of the competition.

By reaching the first round, David Beckham's side raked in 20,000 USD, as reported by Essentially Sports. The amount rises to 47,500 USD if a team reaches the semi-finals before getting 100,000 USD for reaching the Conference finals.

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The two conference winners meet in the MLS Cup final, with the runners-up taking home 150,000 USD and the champion getting 300,000 USD(38.9 million Kenya Shillings).

Messi reveals hunger for more titles

Legit.ng also reported that Lionel Messi, the former Barcelona legend, expressed his continued drive to win more titles, even with his impressive collection of trophies.

Reflecting on his career and future goals, the Argentine star shared that his passion for the game and physical fitness remains as robust as ever.

Source: TUKO.co.ke