Following Atlanta United’s dramatic victory over Inter Miami on November 9, an Atlanta staff member approached the team’s charter bus outside Chase Stadium, holding a box filled with Michelob Ultra beer cans. These, he said, were a well-earned reward for the players after their hard-fought win that saw them knock out Lionel Messi and his team from the playoffs.

Captain Brad Guzan, one of the last players to board the bus, walked out of the stadium with a noticeable swagger. The 40-year-old former Aston Villa goalkeeper, who had thwarted Messi’s efforts time and again during the three-match series, was trailed by a documentary videographer.

Though Atlanta’s 2024 season hasn’t gone as expected, Guzan’s stellar performances have been pivotal in rewriting their story.

“Forty is the new 21,” Guzan said with a grin, reflecting on his ability to turn back the clock during Atlanta’s surprising playoff run. By eliminating Inter Miami, Atlanta achieved one of the biggest upsets in MLS history, with Guzan playing a crucial role.

His shot-stopping has been exceptional all season, and his clutch saves in the playoffs have proven game-changing. While all eyes are on Guzan, he remains indifferent to the attention.

“When you’ve been in this business as long as I have, it’s not about whether you like something or not,” Guzan told The Athletic. “I’ve been through the tough times, made mistakes, and cost the team before.”

But without Guzan’s heroic displays, Atlanta would likely already be looking ahead to an offseason overhaul — including player departures, new signings, the appointment of a new sporting director, and possibly a new head coach to replace interim manager Rob Valentino. For now, however, all those plans are on hold as the team prepares to face Orlando City in the Eastern Conference semifinal on November 24.

Guzan’s future, too, is uncertain. He’s in the final year of his contract, with an option for 2025, but has avoided discussing it all season. Yet, the veteran goalkeeper is facing the reality that his career may be nearing its end.

“It’s not about feeling younger,” Guzan said. “It’s about leveraging my experience, knowing how to analyze a situation in the heat of the moment, and using that to make the save.”

While it’s not uncommon for goalkeepers to play into their late thirties and early forties, Guzan chuckles at the attention his age receives.

“I’m not the first to play at 40,” he said. “There are many who’ve played into their forties in the Premier League, Bundesliga, or World Cups. No disrespect to MLS, but those guys are playing at the World Cup. If I’m playing in 2026, then we can talk about feeling younger.”

Could 2026 mean a third World Cup on home soil for Guzan? After Atlanta’s win, social media buzzed with calls for Guzan’s return to the U.S. men’s national team.

Guzan made his first international appearance 18 years ago and has been part of two World Cup squads (2010 and 2014), as well as the 2015 Gold Cup and 2016 Copa America Centenario. He has accumulated 20 clean sheets with the U.S. team.

Once a cornerstone of the national team, even in competition with Tim Howard and Kasey Keller, Guzan doubts a return to the U.S. squad would be a positive sign for the goalkeeper pool.

“I hope that’s not the case,” Guzan said when asked about a possible call-up from head coach Mauricio Pochettino. He laughed about the texts from friends suggesting a potential return to international duty.

“For me, it’s more of a joke,” Guzan said, though he added that he respects the current pool of U.S. goalkeepers. “We have a strong group. Guys who may not play every week but have proven themselves in tough situations.”

U.S. No. 1 Matt Turner, who is currently a backup at Crystal Palace, praised Guzan’s recent performances, calling him “truly spectacular.” Turner also referred to Guzan as a mentor, particularly during the 2021 Gold Cup, where the U.S. emerged victorious.

“At his age, many would have retired after the injuries he’s had,” Turner said. “But you can tell when he’s in the zone. I’m happy for him.”

For Turner, Guzan represents a path for goalkeepers who keep playing into their forties. “That’s always been my dream — to keep going into my forties,” said the 30-year-old.

For many U.S. fans, the last vivid memory of Guzan may be his attempt to stop Messi’s free kick in the 2016 Copa America, which ended in a 4-0 loss to Argentina in the semifinals. Since then, the narrative has shifted. Guzan is now remembered as the man who repeatedly denied Messi during their three-game series, making crucial saves with everything from his fingertips to his heel.

There was also a bit of luck involved. In Game 2, Messi’s shot narrowly missed Guzan’s near post and went out of bounds, much to both players’ disbelief. Guzan recalls a brief embrace with Messi, which his child mistook for a sign of friendship.

“My oldest asked, ‘Are you friends with him? Because he gave you a hug,’” Guzan said. “And I said, ‘I don’t think he was giving me a hug. It was more like, ‘How did that go wide?’ We were both in disbelief.”

In Atlanta, Guzan is a polarizing figure. An MLS Cup champion and the club’s undisputed captain, he’s revered for his leadership and work ethic. His name is chanted by fans after key saves, and at training, he sets the standard for his teammates. In March, he became the first Atlanta player to reach 200 appearances. His longevity is part of the spotlight moment he’s now enjoying.

“When things like this happen, it’s all about timing,” Guzan reflected. “The fact that it’s happened back-to-back adds to the excitement.”

However, some Atlanta fans have voiced their desire to see Guzan step aside. His 2022 season was cut short by a ruptured Achilles tendon, and his performances in 2023 didn’t meet expectations. Guzan has encountered fans who, while grateful for his contributions, feel it’s time for a change.

“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘We love you, but it’s time to move on,’” Guzan said. “I just give them a thumbs up and move on because I know it’s a club decision.”

Despite this, Guzan isn’t ready to retire. He remains motivated by the daily grind of being a professional.

“I enjoy putting on my boots, my gloves, and taping my fingers for the thousandth time,” Guzan said.

He has discussed retirement with teammate Dax McCarty, who is retiring at the end of the season, and with former players. “They’ve said, ‘I don’t want to go to practice anymore,’” Guzan said. “But I don’t have that feeling. I still want to be out there, and I feel sharp, physically and mentally.”

In December 2023, Atlanta signed goalkeeper Josh Cohen, 32, from Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Premier League. Cohen, a UEFA Champions League veteran, made it clear that his goal was to challenge Guzan for the starting position. But Guzan wasn’t fazed.

“I’m not naive enough to think I can play forever,” he acknowledged. “But competition is normal. If you don’t have that, you need to start asking questions.”

As Atlanta United gears up for the Eastern Conference semifinal against Orlando, Guzan’s role will remain pivotal. A club spokesperson mentioned that around 20 media outlets have requested interviews with Guzan this week.

“It’s going to be a real dogfight,” Guzan said. “Hopefully, we’ll be celebrating afterwards and moving on to the conference final.”