Messi's Inter Miami Faces Must-Win Game Against Atlanta United in MLS Playoffs: How to Watch

A Crucial Battle in the MLS Playoffs: Inter Miami Aims to Eliminate Atlanta United

Round 1 of the MLS Playoffs is a best-of-three series, meaning that tonight's game could send Atlanta United packing if Inter Miami wins. The Herons, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, are coming off a 2-1 victory in the first game, thanks to goals by Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba. The first match took place at Inter Miami's home field, Chase Stadium, but tonight's match will shift to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

If Atlanta United emerges victorious, it will force a tie-breaking third game on November 9th, which will be held back in Florida.

How to Watch the Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Match

Whether you're rooting for Inter Miami to secure their spot in the next round or hoping to see Atlanta United extend their season, we've got you covered. The game will be available through the MLS Season Pass, which can be purchased for $9.99 for the rest of the postseason. If you already have Apple TV Plus, you'll automatically have access to the MLS Season Pass for the remaining postseason games.

Apple TV Plus offers a limited lineup, but it's less expensive than other ad-free services and features a growing collection of critically acclaimed series. The MLS Season Pass is now available for a single price of $9.99 for the rest of the season and playoffs, down from the regular monthly fee of $12.99. This gives you access to every remaining MLS fixture for the 2024 season.

Fans in the US, UK, and Canada can access the MLS Season Pass through Apple TV Plus for the remainder of the postseason. For fans in over 100 other countries, the game can be streamed through Apple TV Plus or the MLS Season Pass, with prices varying by region.

Navigating Streaming Restrictions: The Power of VPNs

While the MLS Season Pass offers broad coverage, you might find yourself traveling to a region where it's not available. In these situations, a VPN (virtual private network) can be your savior. VPNs are user-friendly cybersecurity tools that allow you to change your electronic device's virtual location so you can access your usual streaming methods and apps as if you were back home. Plus, VPNs offer a quick and easy way to enhance your online privacy and security.

For those curious about VPNs, ExpressVPN is a top recommendation. The service is straightforward and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. In our ExpressVPN review, you can find a detailed breakdown of all its features.

Team News and Predicted Lineups: A Clash of Styles

Inter Miami, riding high on the wave of Messi's arrival, will be looking to continue their dominance. Their recent form, culminating in the Supporters' Shield win, has made them favorites for the MLS Cup playoffs. Messi's presence is a game-changer, but this team has multiple weapons to unleash pressure on their opponents, making them a formidable force.

On the other side, Atlanta United is the underdog. Their head coach, Rob Valentino, faces tough lineup decisions. The starting lineup that struggled against Miami in the first game needs adjustments. Lennon's absence had a positive impact on Atlanta's performance, highlighting the importance of getting the starting XI right from the outset.

Here are the predicted lineups for both teams:

Atlanta United: Brad Guzan, Pedro Amador, Derrick Williams, Stian Gregersen, Luis Abram, Xande Silva, Tristan Muyumba, Bartosz Slisz, Saba Lobzhanidze, Aleksey Miranchuk, Jamal Thiare

Inter Miami: Drake Callender, Jordi Alba, Hector Martinez, Tomas Aviles, Marcelo Weigandt, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Diego Gomez

The Stakes are High: A Battle for the Next Round

With a win on Saturday, Inter Miami can secure their spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference semi-finals. However, it's not a guaranteed victory. In Miami's last visit to Atlanta, they drew 2-2, reminding everyone that the Five Stripes are a formidable opponent. The first game of this series saw Atlanta draw level before eventually succumbing to a goal from Jordi Alba. This series is a testament to the unpredictability of the MLS Playoffs, where any team can pull off an upset with a single strike.

Key Takeaways

This match is more than just a clash of two teams. It's a battle of styles, a test of resilience, and a reminder that the playoffs can be unpredictable. Inter Miami, with Messi leading the charge, will be eager to secure their place in the next round. But Atlanta United, with their underdog spirit, will be ready to fight tooth and nail for their chance to extend their season.

What to Watch For

The impact of Messi: How will Lionel Messi perform against an Atlanta United defense that will be determined to shut him down? Can he make the difference with a game-changing moment?
Atlanta's response: How will Atlanta United respond after their narrow loss in the first game? Can they adjust their strategy to contain Messi and exploit Miami's weaknesses?
The fight for every inch: This is a must-win game for both teams. Expect a high-intensity match with both teams battling for every inch of the pitch.

The Verdict

While Inter Miami is the favorite, the playoffs are known for upsets. Atlanta United will be eager to prove themselves, and their underdog mentality could be their greatest weapon. Don't miss this crucial match as both teams fight for their playoff dreams.