Then imagine what MLS commissioner Don Garber and the folks at MLS HQ are experiencing right now. Except in their case, there is no waking up from their worst-case MLS Cup playoff scenario. Inter Miami and its band of stars -- including Lionel Messi -- were eliminated from the postseason by Atlanta United,

Lionel Messi scored but Inter Miami suffered a shock first-round exit in the MLS Cup play-offs. Atlanta United triumphed 3-2 in the best-of-three decider in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after both sides had won one game each. Miama finished the regular season ...

After winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new record for the most points in a season, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are out of the MLS Cup playoffs in the first round following a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United on Saturday.