Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's Early Exit from MLS Playoffs; NWSL's Top Four Advance to Semifinals
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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's Elimination from the MLS Playoffs
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami faced a stunning early exit from the 2024 MLS Playoffs, despite having a record-setting season in the regular campaign. Inter Miami, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, were eliminated in the first round by Atlanta United in a best-of-three series. The series concluded with a 3-2 defeat for Inter Miami in the third game at Chase Stadium.
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The game saw Inter Miami take an early lead through Matias Rojas, but Atlanta quickly equalized and then took the lead with goals from Jamal Thiare and Aleksei Miranchuk. Messi managed to score a goal in the 65th minute, but Atlanta sealed their victory with a goal from Bartosz Slisz. The match was marred by controversy as Inter Miami players were upset that play continued while one of their defenders, Tomas Aviles, was injured on the field.
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The elimination has left the team and its fans in shock, especially considering the high expectations and the team's impressive regular-season performance. Inter Miami's head coach, Gerardo Martino, acknowledged the disappointment but also noted the overall progress the team had made since the previous year.
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NWSL Playoff Semifinals 2024
In the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top four teams have advanced to the semifinals. The semifinal matchups are as follows:
Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current: This match is scheduled for November 17 at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC. Orlando Pride secured their spot with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars, highlighted by a brace from Barbra Banda.
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NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit: Gotham FC, the defending champions, are also in the semifinals after an unbeaten run in their last eight matches. The Spirit, despite dealing with injuries and suspensions, managed to advance past Bay FC.
