The Argentine won't be in MLS forever and his shock early exit from the playoffs is an opportunity to really evaluate 'the Messi effect'

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a shock elimination in the first round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs on Saturday, losing 3-2 to No. 9 seed Atlanta United on home soil in the best-of-three series decider.

The Herons' Round 1 playoff exit raises questions about their transfer and recruitment strategy over the past season

Inter Miami's record-breaking MLS season came to an unexpected and screeching halt in the first round of the playoffs against Atlanta United.

There will be no MLS Cup for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami this year. Atlanta United saw to that with a massive upset, sending the game’s most decorated player and biggest-spending team home earlier than anyone imagined.

Moreira's Crew suffered a similar fate to Inter Miami in the playoffs. As the defending MLS Cup champions and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, Columbus got upset in a 2-0 series sweep by No. 7 New York Red Bulls.

Inter Miami has played Atlanta five times this year, and won just once, 2-1 in the playoff opener at home. Atlanta beat Miami 3-1 back in May, they tied 2-2 in September, and Atlanta stunned Miami on Saturday to force Game 3 with an extra-time game winner by Xande Silva before a crowd of 68,455 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Lionel Messi has seen his behaviour questioned by USMNT legend Landon Donovan following a frustrating end to Inter Miami’s MLS campaign.