Messi Inter Miami Playoffs : Inter Miami is nearing MLS playoffs due to Lionel Messi’s team’s unbeaten streak. The club has reached the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Messi’s Leagues Cup win was his 44th title, setting a record. Inter Miami faces a tough task as they must recover eight points to secure the ninth Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Messi helped Inter Miami win 11 games. Inter Miami is 8 points from the final playoff spot with nine games remaining. Messi is to miss three games in September and October international dates.
Messi and teammates have made a strong push at season’s end. Recent wins include a 3-1 victory over the league winners in L.A. and draws with N.Y. Red Bulls and Nashville, SC. The team has 7 points after three games, but Messi and eight other key players will be away for the FIFA international window from Sep 4-12.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino called reaching the playoffs a “daunting task.” Messi missing two FIFA international matches during the intense MLS playoff race could be a big deal. Messi may not play against Sporting KC, Atlanta United, F.C. Cincinnati, or Charlotte FC.
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Miami hopes to replicate D.C. United’s 2018 success, making the playoffs after Wayne Rooney‘s arrival. Inter Miami, with 25 points from 25 games, must win 7 of their last nine games and average 2.4 points per game to reach 47 points.
Sporting K.C. is striving for the playoffs, but FC Dallas is two points ahead. Atlanta United is 9 points ahead in playoffs, and Miami won 4-0 in the Leagues Cup. Toronto F.C. is struggling with player fighting and has lost ten consecutive games. Orlando City SC, a top Eastern Conference team, lost to Miami in the Leagues Cup Round 32.
MLS Playoffs case:
If the season ended now, these teams would meet in the playoffs:
EAST CONFERENCE
Wild-card game: No. 8 seed CF Montréal vs. No. 9 seed D.C. United.
Round 1: F.C. Cincinnati (1) plays the winner of CF Montréal and D.C. United; New England Revolution (2) plays Nashville SC (7); other teams play each other.
WEST CONFERENCE
San Jose Earthquakes (No. 8) vs. FC Dallas (No. 9) in a wild-card match.
In Round 1, St. Louis City SC plays the winner of San Jose and FC Dallas. Seattle Sounders plays Minnesota United.
Messi boosts Inter Miami, but there’s still a long way to go. This is made harder as they lost their star player at a crucial time.