'There's A Question': Inter Miami Coach Makes Shock Lionel Messi Retirement Claim Post MLS Cup Exit

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were left stunned in the first round of MLS Cup playoffs as they were sent crashing out post their 3-2 loss to Atlanta United. Inter Miami were the clear favourites to win the encounter given the likes of Messi, Suarez and Jordi Alba in their roster but it just wasn't meant to be for them. 

Post their stunning MLS Cup exit, Inter Miami's coach Gerardo Martino made a shocking admission that how long will Lionel Messi continue with Inter Miami or will he retire. 

Lionel Messi retirement bombshell 

Lionel Messi was cut out a dejected figure as he walked off the field and into the dug out after failing to guide Inter Miami to the title in his first season at the club. 

Speaking post game on the defeat against Atlanta, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino admitted that he is unsure over Messi's future at the club. 

“I actually don't know how limited [Messi's time in this league] is. There is a question of time passing, but I would not dare to say that it is so short. If you look at the context in which this began, it seems to me that the progress of the club is important,” said Martino post game. 

While Martino doesn't confirm if Messi is closer to retirement or not it is expected that Inter Miami will be the final pit stop in the Argentinian magician's legendary career. 

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Inter Miami crash out

Atlanta United ousted Messi and Major League Soccer’s biggest-spending team earlier than anyone imagined from the MLS Cup playoffs. Jamal Thiaré scored twice, Bartosz Slisz’s header in the 76th minute was the winner, and Atlanta United stunned Inter Miami 3-2 on Saturday night to win their best-of-three first round playoff series in three games.

“There’s some fairy dust in our locker room, man,” Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan said after stopping seven shots, some of them in spectacular fashion, and giving Slisz a big hug in response to his goal. “I couldn’t be more proud of our guys.”

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Two free kicks by Messi in the final minutes hit the wall of Atlanta defenders, and time eventually ran out on soccer’s most decorated player and his team. Messi’s header — yes, header — in the 65th minute tied the match at 2-2, but the hosts never reclaimed the lead. Atlanta took the lead with an Inter Miami player down and the hosts lobbying for play to be halted, but the whistle never came and Slisz became one of many heroes for the winners.

(With AP Inputs)