Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba lead Inter Miami past Atlanta United in the playoff opener

Inter Miami CF kicked off its 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Friday night at Chase Stadium to win Game 1 of the best-of-3 Eastern Conference first round series.

Jordi Alba scored the winner for the Supporters' Shield champions in the 60th minute, firing a golazo from long range following Lionel Messi's short corner routine.

This moment of brilliance was needed as Atlanta winger Saba Lobjanidze equalized in the 39th minute after a line-splitting pass, canceling out Luis Suárez's early opener. The Uruguayan striker scored a goal after just 90 seconds, taking advantage of a loss of the ball in the defensive line.

Without the heroics of Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan, Inter Miami probably would have scored several more goals. The 40-year-old former U.S. international made eight saves for the Five Stripes, the East's No. 9 seed, who advanced Tuesday after winning a wild card game at CF Montreal.

Ultimately, Inter Miami's job is done ahead of next Saturday's potentially decisive Game 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (7:00 p.m. ET | MLS Season Pass). The series winner will face Orlando City SC (No. 4) or Charlotte FC (No. 5) in the Eastern Conference semifinals.