Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was eliminated from the MLS playoffs in a shocking defeat by Atlanta United, a twist that disrupted the league’s plans for a Messi-centered postseason. This playoff series was meant to be a showcase of Messi’s influence on American soccer, with a historic campaign centered around his journey to the MLS Cup. Instead, Atlanta’s underdog victory reshaped the narrative, exposing potential vulnerabilities in the league’s reliance on Messi’s star power.

Inter Miami’s elimination highlights a dilemma for MLS: how to sustain viewership without Messi in the spotlight. Messi’s debut season with Inter Miami brought record numbers, with Apple’s MLS Season Pass gaining over 100,000 new subscribers in a single day and eventually surpassing two million, largely credited to the “Messi Effect.” Now, however, the league faces a potential dip in interest as it loses the marquee figure who drove much of this new viewership.

The impact goes beyond this season. Messi’s two-year contract with Inter Miami means the MLS could face a similar problem when he departs, as his $50-$60 million investment may not translate into lasting fandom unless the league builds a broader appeal. Atlanta United’s surprise win underscores that MLS has competitive teams and talent outside of Miami, but it also raises concerns about the current playoff format and the league’s need to balance entertainment with competitive integrity.

Jordi Alba’s post-game remarks about the playoff structure’s fairness hinted at a larger issue. As MLS increasingly relies on international stars, the league may need to reassess its format and scheduling to give higher-performing teams a clearer path to postseason success. Some experts suggest that a move toward a winter season, similar to European schedules, could boost MLS’s visibility. However, the league’s focus on stars like Messi may be holding it back from a broader, team-focused narrative similar to that of the Premier League.

For MLS, Saturday’s game was both a high point of drama and a turning point. Atlanta’s triumph over Inter Miami captured the thrill of an underdog story, but it may also prompt MLS to rethink its identity and decide whether it’s content to be “The Messi League,” or if it aspires to a broader legacy of soccer excellence.