Atlanta United’s 2024 MLS campaign has not lived up to the pre-season expectations.
A team that boasts one of the most expensively-assembled rosters in the league has flattered to deceive, only sneaking into the post-season picture via a Wild Card win over Montreal last month. Over the summer former head coach Gonzalo Pineda was sacked, while offensive stars Thiago Almada and Georgios Giakoumakis have been shipped out.
Nevertheless, there is still a sense of optimism in Atlanta as the Five Stripes prepare to host Inter Miami in Game Two of their MLS Cup playoff series. The 300 Level of the vast Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be open on Saturday night, meaning that 70,000 fans are expected.
“I’m already buzzing about what that place is going to be like,” interim Atlanta boss Rob Valentino said.
“My message to the team was that these people are waiting to cheer for you, you’ve been three on the road to finish into the playoffs and you can feel the buzz getting back for them.”
Lionel Messi fans an extra bonus for Atlanta
The stakes are high for Atlanta with defeat ending their 2024 campaign. There will be an expectant crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but many will not be sporting the black and red stripes of the home team.
Lionel Messi continues to sell out stadiums across the country and Saturday will be no exception. But despite the likelihood of a significant pink-shirt contingent, the Atlanta boss is relishing the challenge.
“Even all the people coming to see [Lionel] Messi, no problem. I love it, because eventually, like last time when things were going well, they were also cheering [for us].”
“I get it, come to see the superstars, come and see our team fight and compete but these boys aren’t done yet.”
Saturday’s game could well break Atlanta’s club attendance recordwhich is currently held by the 2017 clash against Orlando City. That game drew a massive 70,425 supportersmaking it the third-largest crowd at any soccer match anywhere in the world that day.
