Lionel Messi is set to embark on his first MLS playoff campaign on Friday as Inter Miami face Atlanta United in the opening round, with the ultimate goal of claiming the MLS Cup.
Messi, who has already achieved success across the world with ten La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and a World Cup win with Argentina, now finds himself navigating a new challenge in the MLS. At 37, the Argentine star will experience the unique format of the MLS playoffs for the first time.
Miami are fresh off celebrating their Supporters’ Shield win for finishing top of the regular-season standings, breaking the league’s points record along the way. However, the Shield, though significant, pales in comparison to the importance of the playoffs in MLS.
Despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s remarks about the Supporters’ Shield earning Miami a spot in next year’s Club World Cup, the MLS Cup is the ultimate prize. Co-owner David Beckham, who experienced both highs and lows in the playoffs with LA Galaxy, made it clear that Miami’s focus is firmly on the postseason. “This year is not finished. On to the playoffs and we’ll be ready,” Beckham said.
Inter Miami’s first test is a best of three series against Atlanta United, coached by Messi’s former Barcelona manager, Gerardo Martino. With no aggregate scores and penalties deciding ties after 90 minutes, Miami will need two wins to progress. Messi and Luis Suarez, who both netted 20 goals in the regular season, should provide the firepower needed to overcome Atlanta, who finished ninth in the Eastern Conference.
From there, every match will be a knockout, starting with the Eastern Conference semi-finals. If Miami defeat Atlanta, they’ll face either Orlando City or Charlotte FC, with reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew likely waiting in the conference final—a formidable challenge.
Should they advance to the MLS Cup final on December 7, Miami could face Western Conference favourites Los Angeles FC, featuring former France internationals Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud. However, LA Galaxy will be keen to dispute that.
Only twice in the past decade has a team won both the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup—LAFC in 2022 and Toronto FC in 2017. But Miami have every reason to believe they can add their name to that list, with Messi leading a team bolstered by the likes of Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
However, while Miami’s 79 goals in 34 games make them the top scorers, their defence has shown vulnerabilities. Only LA Galaxy conceded more goals than Miami among the top eight teams in the standings.
Atlanta United remain unbeaten against Miami this season, winning 3-1 in May and drawing 2-2 in September, making the opening round no easy task for the Florida side.