Then imagine what MLS commissioner Don Garber and the folks at MLS HQ are experiencing right now. Except in their case, there is no waking up from their worst-case MLS Cup playoff scenario. Inter Miami and its band of stars -- including Lionel Messi -- were eliminated from the postseason by Atlanta United,

After winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new record for the most points in a season, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are out of the MLS Cup playoffs in the first round following a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United on Saturday.

Inter Miami practiced on Friday thinking there was no way Sergio Busquets was going to play in its win-or-else playoff match against Atlanta United. Busquets — who coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said was ruled out for Saturday's game — received medical clearance on Friday afternoon to play and is being listed as questionable.