Inter Miami, featuring star Lionel Messi, has been eliminated from the MLS playoffs following a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United. This unexpected defeat is a significant setback for Miami fans, who had high hopes for the team in this year’s competition. Coach Tata Martino expressed the team’s heavy-hearted mood, emphasizing the high expectations they had for the playoffs.
The loss is not just a blow to Miami but also a potential threat to overall MLS viewership metrics on Apple TV, given that Messi’s involvement had greatly boosted audience numbers. His absence from the December finals could heavily impact viewer interest.
Atlanta played with remarkable determination and resilience under interim manager Rob Valentino’s leadership. Although Inter Miami’s Messi scored a header late in the match, Atlanta sealed their victory, effectively dashing Miami’s championship dreams.
As a reminder, Apple TV is now the official broadcast partner of MLS and has the right to show all games, including the playoffs. Lionel Messi’s involvement in MLS increased interest in the league, and Apple TV significantly increased its viewership due to Messi’s games.
