Lionel Messi's Inter Miami remain in MLS Cup despite loss to Atlanta United due to unique rule
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami side remain in the MLS Cup despite suffering a loss to Atlanta United in their last game due to the competition's unique rules. The sides will face each other for a third time thanks to a rule which stipulates that teams will compete in a best-of-three series instead of going to extra-time and/or penalties if both teams win one game apiece.
The Herons won the first leg 2-1 on their turf but fell to the same scoreline in the return fixture after their opponents bagged a late winner. A third match would have been on the cards even if the game ended in a draw, as the Georgia-based side could have won the third fixture to force extra-time.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will play the third game of the series at home as they were the better ranked team in the regular season. The Herons finished atop the Eastern Conference standings with a record-breaking tally of 74 points.
The Herons will hope to bury the match and move on to the next round as they aim for the MLS Cup to go with their Supporters' Shield title.
"They sell more jerseys than anybody else in the league. So much so that they’re going to be allowed to break MLS rules" - Lionel Messi's Inter Miami allowed to break rules
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been allowed to break a rule concerning jerseys due to the unprecedented demand they generate. The Miami-based side have enjoyed phenomenal success following the arrival of the Argentine superstar, with his global fame attracting fans to the franchise.
Messi joined the club in the summer of 2023 and has already become their record goalscorer with 33 goals in 38 games. His exploits have helped the team to the Supporters' Shield trophy this season and the Leagues Cup in 2023.
Pieter Brown, the host of Futbol Miami TV, discussed the Miami-based club's special jurisdiction. He said:
"They sell more jerseys than anybody else in the league. So much so that they’re going to be allowed to break MLS rules.”
Brown added:
"Basically, [every team] gets a new jersey every year but it’s every other year for the home or away. [Inter Miami] is breaking tradition because they sell a boatload of jerseys because Inter Miami, MLS, and Adidas can make a whole lot more money if everybody who already bought the pink jersey will buy the new pink jersey."
Lionel Messi is poised to claim his 47th career trophy if he can lead Inter Miami to the MLS Cup at the end of this season. The Miami-based club are in the playoffs for the first time in their history and could potentially claim their third-ever piece of silverware thanks to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.