Sun Nov 24 19:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Underdog Atlanta United Stuns Messi’s Inter Miami, Sets Up Eastern Conference Showdown with Orlando City

**Orlando, FL –** In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the MLS, Atlanta United eliminated Lionel Messi and the Supporters’ Shield-winning Inter Miami CF from the MLS Cup Playoffs. The improbable victory propels the Five Stripes, who barely clinched a playoff berth on Decision Day, into a conference semifinal clash against Orlando City SC.

Atlanta, guided by interim head coach Rob Valentino, overcame long odds to defeat Orlando City in the final regular season game and secure the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Now, they face another formidable challenge against Orlando City, the top remaining seed in the East following a series of first-round upsets that also saw the elimination of Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati.

Orlando City, who have yet to reach an MLS Cup final, despite previous conference semifinal appearances, will host Atlanta at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday, November 24th. The match will stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

BetMGM currently favors Orlando City (-140) over Atlanta United (+333), with a tie at +290. The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5. Looking ahead to the MLS Cup, Los Angeles FC are the betting favorites, but Atlanta’s surprising run has boosted their odds, though they remain significant underdogs at +2500.

This unexpected playoff run marks a remarkable turnaround for Atlanta, who burst onto the scene as an expansion team in 2017 and won the MLS Cup in 2018. Their Cinderella story continues, promising an electrifying matchup against Orlando City this weekend.

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