MLS sets Conference Playoff schedule for LAFC vs Seattle, other semifinals after Lionel Messi and Inter Miami shockingly eliminated

After Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's shocking playoff elimination Saturday night, the Eastern and Western Conference Playoff semifinal matchups were confirmed.

MLS issued dates and times for semifinal matches that include NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls, LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders, Orlando City SC vs. Atlanta United and LA Galaxy vs Minnesota United FC.

The matchups will be single-elimination, unlike the Round One Best-of-3 series, a format that has caused controversy among fans, players and coaches this postseason.

Saturday, Nov. 23

No. 6 New York City FC vs. No. 7 New York Red Bulls | Kickoff at 5:40 pm ET at Citi Field in New York City. Stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

No. 1 LAFC vs. No. 4 Seattle Sounders FC | Kickoff at 10:40 pm ET at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Sunday, Nov. 24

No. 4 Orlando City SC vs. No. 9 Atlanta United | Kickoff at 3:40 pm ET at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. Stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

No. 2 LA Galaxy vs. No. 6 Minnesota United FC | Kickoff at 6:25 pm ET at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. Stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, or view on FOX Sports 1 or FOX Deportes.

With all three of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference out of the playoffs, the only team from the East that could potentially host MLS Cup now is Orlando City. However, with the Western Conference's top-two seeds still alive, it's likely that the championship game will be hosted by winner of the West.

Hosting priority is as follows: 1. LAFC, 2. LA Galaxy, 3. Seattle Sounders, 4. Orlando City, 5. Minnesota United.

NYCFC, New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United will not host MLS Cup even if they advance, as they are ranked below the West's best remaining teams.

With MLS implementing a new playoff format in 2023 that continued over this year, the next round of matches will not happen for nearly two weeks. International players are set to join their respective nations during the November FIFA window, while all the remaining members of teams will continue to train and prepare for their knockout semifinals.