Messi and Miami eliminated from MLS Cup playoffs in first round

Lionel Messi to leave MLS? Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino admits 'question of time passing' but is hopeful that Argentine superstar could extend stay in USA. Messi's Inter Miami were dumped out of the MLS Cup by Atlanta in a shock 3-2 loss at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. After the defeat, manager Martino admitted there is a "question of time passing" with the 37-year-old Argentine, however, he didn't put a timeframe on when that end would come.

Messi's Miami bulldozed the MLS Eastern Conference during the regular season but fell at the first hurdle in the playoffs against Atlanta.

The former Barcelona star had a great season himself, scoring 23 goals and bagging 13 assists in 24 matches. But this loss will inevitably lead to questions over Messi's future, with the veteran still having one year left on his contract with the Herons.