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.

Messi took to social media to make his feelings clear after Inter Miami's shocking first round MLS Playoffs exit.

The Argentine won't be in MLS forever and his shock early exit from the playoffs is an opportunity to really evaluate 'the Messi effect'

The Herons' Round 1 playoff exit raises questions about their transfer and recruitment strategy over the past season

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami looked like an unstoppable force heading into the MLS play-offs, but one Welsh coach was able to help mastermind their demise. The David Beckham-owned Florida team

Lionel Messi departed Barcelona for Inter Miami in July 2023 and has been a revelation in the MLS in the time since, with the Argentine going on to help Miami to the Supporters' Shield this season

Lionel Messi has seen his behaviour questioned by USMNT legend Landon Donovan following a frustrating end to Inter Miami’s MLS campaign.

Lionel Messi's head-to-head record against Cristiano Ronaldo is 15 wins, nine draws and 10 defeats in competitive club matches.

Inter Miami are already planning for the 2025 MLS season, taking into account recent comments from Lionel Messi regarding aspects of the 2024 campaign that he found unsatisfactory. Inter Miami‘s 2024 season came to an abrupt end with an unexpected loss to Atlanta United in the first round of the MLS Eastern Conference Playoffs.