Atlanta United clinched a dramatic last-minute 2-1 playoff victory over Inter Miami on Saturday, denting Lionel Messi's hopes of steering the Florida club to MLS Cup glory. Portuguese winger Xande Silva powered home a stunning winner for Atlanta in the fourth minute of stoppage time, thrilling a crowd of 68,455 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This goal levelled the best-of-three postseason series at 1-1, setting up a decisive third game in Miami next Saturday. Top-seeded Miami, who triumphed 2-1 in the opening game last week, looked on course for a series victory after taking the lead through Paraguayan international David Martinez in the 40th minute following a costly error by former US goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Guzan could only watch in dismay as he misjudged a straightforward clearance from his own penalty area, allowing Federico Redondo to intercept and pass to Martinez, who easily slotted into an open net for a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta, determined to keep their season alive, mounted an intense second-half comeback and were rewarded in the 58th minute when Derrick Williams scored with a powerful header to bring the game level.

Both sides continued to create chances in an end-to-end affair, with Georgian international Saba Lobjanidze almost scoring for Atlanta in the 89th minute. However, Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, tipped Lobjanidze’s shot onto the woodwork.

As the game appeared destined for a penalty shoot-out, Atlanta launched a final, desperate attack. When Aleksey Miranchuk set up Silva, the Portuguese substitute made no mistake, firing a superb shot into the top corner for the winning goal.

"Words can't describe it; they're such a resilient group," Atlanta coach Rob Valentino said after the match. "I told the team before the game that it's everyone together, not just one person. Then a substitute comes on and wins us the game."

New York Levels Series

Elsewhere in the MLS playoffs on Saturday, New York City FC defeated FC Cincinnati 3-1 to force a deciding game three in their first-round series.

Needing a win to stay in contention, New York took the lead in the 22nd minute after Costa Rican international Alonso Martinez executed a clever one-two with Mitja Ilenic before placing a low finish past Cincinnati's goalkeeper, Roman Celentano.

Brazilian defender Thiago Martins doubled New York's advantage five minutes before half-time, heading home at the far post following a free-kick from the right that unsettled the Cincinnati defence.

Third-seeded Cincinnati responded in the 65th minute with a brilliant solo goal from Argentine forward Luca Orellano, who nutmegged his marker and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner to make it 2-1.

Cincinnati continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages, and Zimbabwean international Teenage Hadebe had a clear chance in the 80th minute, but his close-range shot was saved by New York goalkeeper Matt Freese.

In stoppage time, New York secured the win as Uruguayan midfielder Santiago Rodriguez won a penalty and confidently converted it himself with a cheeky 'panenka' down the middle.

The third and deciding game in the series will take place in Cincinnati next Saturday.