Atlanta Shocks Inter Miami, Raising Questions for MLS Future

In one of the most unexpected turnarounds of the MLS season, Atlanta United eliminated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, leaving the soccer world in disbelief and potentially undermining the league’s promotional momentum. The Argentine superstar, a key figure in the storylines surrounding MLS playoff discussions, was anticipated to guide Inter Miami through a successful playoff journey. However, Atlanta’s determined spirit and remarkable 3-2 series victory have raised an unexpected question: can MLS maintain its appeal without Messi in the limelight?

Upon Messi's arrival at Inter Miami, MLS embraced him as the central figure of the league, attracting global fans eager to follow his journey in the United States. From vibrant billboards in Times Square to a surge in MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV, Messi’s impact has been remarkable. His first game alone set a new benchmark for single-day subscriptions on Apple’s platform, demonstrating that the phenomenon dubbed the “Messi Effect” was indeed real. Furthermore, MLS’s promotional material for the playoffs appeared designed around a narrative featuring Messi guiding Inter Miami toward championship victory.

However, on the field, Atlanta United had different intentions. In a hard-fought three-match series, Atlanta took advantage of every mistake and opening in Miami's defense, with Bartosz Slisz striking the decisive blow in the 76th minute of Game 3. The packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium erupted as Atlanta overcame a team that had been dominant throughout the regular season, amassing a record 74 points. The narrative, once centered around a single player's brilliance, dramatically shifted.

Messi's influence on MLS extends far beyond simply attracting fans to games. Since he joined the league, viewership has surged, with Apple TV subscriptions more than doubling, clearly indicating that the league's investment in the Argentine superstar was a financial triumph. Nevertheless, his surprising exit from the playoffs raises a crucial concern: without Messi, will fans continue to engage with the rest of the league's matches? While contests like Orlando City against Atlanta or the Hudson River Derby between NYCFC and the Red Bulls are interesting, they do not quite match the excitement of a match featuring Messi.

This unforeseen development presents a significant challenge for MLS, which now must work hard to keep these new fans interested after the Messi chapter concludes. With Messi's contract extending to next season, the league must devise a strategy to ensure that his tenure in MLS serves as a foundation for lasting growth instead of a momentary event.

If there is a silver lining to this unexpected early exit, it is that Atlanta’s triumph could indicate the MLS’s potential extending beyond Messi. The league, frequently criticized for its unusual playoff format, may need to reevaluate how it operates in order to give more significance to regular season performance. Following the match, Jordi Alba expressed his dissatisfaction with the playoff structure, labeling it "unfair" after Miami's record-breaking season came to a sudden halt. While Alba's remarks might seem like disappointment, they resonate with a wider discussion regarding the identity of the MLS.

Other leagues, like the Premier League, have embraced their competitive balance, focusing on a product centered around the collective rather than individual stars. In contrast, MLS has significantly invested in Messi, tying the league's identity to his personal saga. Now, the league faces the challenge of maintaining interest by highlighting what makes MLS distinctive, including its diverse fan communities and exciting matchups that extend beyond just one player.

The clash on Saturday between Atlanta and Miami provided an exhilarating glimpse of MLS at its most captivating and unpredictable, showcasing a league still carving out its niche in the global soccer landscape. Atlanta’s victory will be remembered as one of the pivotal moments of the season, embodying the journey of an underdog triumphing against the odds. However, the true challenge for MLS lies ahead. How will the league leverage this momentum and continue to grow once Messi’s narrative comes to a conclusion?

As the league considers future adjustments, including the possibility of shifting to a European-style schedule or overhauling the playoff structure, Atlanta's surprising victory might act as a turning point, highlighting that the future of MLS relies on more than just the brilliance of one individual. With Messi no longer in the spotlight, the league has an opportunity to demonstrate its depth, competitive nature, and unique characteristics that differentiate it on the global stage.