“This format seems a little unfair” - Jordi Alba proposes change in MLS to make things ‘fair’ after Lionel Messi and Inter Miami crash out

Inter Miami star Jordi Alba has suggested that Major League Soccer may have to change its format. This comes after the Lionel Messi-led side exited the MLS Cup in the first round against Atlanta United.

Following their 3-2 loss on Saturday, November 9, Alba said (via ESPN):

"It was a good season, but what we wanted was to win this more," Alba said post-match, according to ESPN's Lizzy Becherano. "This format seems a little unfair to me."

"It is clear that it has been done this way for many years, but if you ask me, if it were up to me, it would have to be the champion of one conference against the champion of the other, to make it as fair as possible, that's how it is," Alba continued. "I repeat, congratulations to the rival team. I think they competed very well against us, they knew their weapons, the goalkeeper was spectacular and good, I think that is what clearly marked the difference."

Inter Miami had a record-breaking regular season. Messi and Co. finished top of the Eastern Conference with 22 wins from their 34 games. Their tally of 74 points was the highest ever, breaking the previous mark of 73 set by New England Revolution in 2021.

Their first-round match-up in the MLS Cup saw them face off against Atlanta United. A three-game series saw the Herons win the first clash 2-1 but they lost their remaining two fixtures, allowing their opponents to advance into the next round.

Atlanta United goalkeeper explains how his side overcame the threat of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami

Guzan played a major role in his side's win.

Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan suggested that the side banked on their hard work to beat Inter Miami. Speaking after their 3-2 win over Messi's side, Guzan said (via Goal):

"Obviously [Miami] have a very good team with very good individuals who are extremely talented – best player in the world."

"And so we don't have that. And so how do we make up the difference? We make that up with working for each other, and defending and doing hard running and tackling. When you do things like that, you're able to give yourself an opportunity. And tonight, we were able to take those chances and finish it off."

The series was locked at one game apiece heading into the decider. Inter Miami took the lead through Matias Rojas (17') but a quick double from Jamal Thiare (19', 21') made it 2-1 to Atlanta heading into the break.

Messi (65') managed to get on the scoresheet with a header to level the scores but Bartosz Slisz (76') restored the advantage for the visitors. Notably, Guzan was immense throughout the game, pulling off seven saves and helping his side move on to the next round.