Substitute Fafà Picault scored for Inter Miami CF in the 89th minute, and Lionel Messi struck for the first time this MLS regular season in a dramatic 2-1 victory at Atlanta United FC on Sunday. Miami (3-1-0) triumphed despite six saves from Atlanta's Brad Guzan,

The best-of-three series ended the Herons' season early after they had set an MLS record with a haul of 74 points in the regular season. Messi went on to be named 2024 MLS MVP, but the more important team trophy eluded him.

Inter Miami climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference on Sunday night with a late 2–1 win over Atlanta United, the club that eliminated them from the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. Atlanta’s Emmanuel Latte Lath scored the match's opening goal in the 11th minute,