Lionel Messi, Inter Miami focused on securing victory in MLS Cup playoffs
Lionel Messi is set to embark on his inaugural MLS playoff journey this Friday as Inter Miami faces Atlanta United in the first match of the postseason leading to the MLS Cup final.
The Argentine superstar has achieved remarkable success across various competitions, including ten La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies with Barcelona, as well as winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
However, the competitive landscape of MLS does not parallel the accolades amassed throughout the illustrious career of the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient, as the playoff format presents a new challenge for him.
On Saturday, Messi celebrated on the pitch with his teammates after they were awarded the Supporters' Shield for finishing at the top of the regular season standings, with confetti and fireworks lighting up Miami's Chase Stadium following the team's record-breaking points total.
Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino's assertion that the Supporters' Shield secures Inter a spot in next year's Club World Cup, the reality is that this title holds limited significance within MLS.
Infantino's motivations for promoting this title were largely tied to leveraging Messi's marketing appeal in the newly expanded 32-team tournament, which is still in search of a broadcasting agreement and sponsorships.
David Beckham, co-owner of Miami and a veteran of both triumphs and setbacks in the playoffs with the Los Angeles Galaxy, understands that the focus in MLS is predominantly on the playoffs.
After commending coach Gerardo Martino for an "incredible season," Beckham emphasized, "But this year is not over; we are moving on to the playoffs and will be prepared."
The playoff format allows for minimal margin of error.
The initial challenge will be a "best of three" series against Martino's former team, Atlanta, where aggregate scores do not apply, and matches cannot end in a draw, necessitating penalty shootouts if the score is tied after 90 minutes.
Two victories will secure Miami's progression, bolstered by the offensive prowess of Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, both of whom have netted 20 goals during the regular season. This firepower should be sufficient to overcome an Atlanta team that concluded the season in ninth place within the Eastern Conference.
Subsequently, every match will be a knockout encounter, with the possibility of extra time if the score remains tied after 90 minutes, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
Should they reach the Eastern Conference semi-finals, final, and ultimately the MLS Cup, Miami will host all their matches, having secured the top seed.
Challenging Path Ahead
If Miami successfully navigates past Atlanta, they will encounter either their in-state rivals Orlando City or Charlotte FC. Their most probable opponent in a potential conference final would be the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew, who present a formidable challenge.
The MLS Cup final on December 7th will feature a clash between the Eastern and Western Conference champions. The 2022 champions, Los Angeles FC, who boast former French internationals Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud, are favored to dominate the Western Conference, although their neighbors, Los Angeles Galaxy, may contest this prediction.
The stakes of the playoffs are underscored by the fact that in the past decade, only two teams have won the Supporters' Shield and subsequently captured the MLS Cup.
LAFC in 2022 and Toronto FC in 2017 are the only teams to have achieved this "double" in the last ten years, yet Miami has ample reason to believe they can accomplish the same feat.
It is not solely the exceptional talent of Messi, who came off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick in Saturday's 6-2 victory over New England Revolution, that positions Miami as the favorites.
Suarez may have lost some of his speed, yet he retains a remarkable ability to find the back of the net. Additionally, the presence of former Barcelona players, midfielder Sergio Busquets and left-back Jordi Alba, significantly enhances the quality of Martino's squad.
Despite Miami leading the league with 79 goals in 34 matches, their defense remains a concern; among the top eight teams in the Shield standings, only LA Galaxy has conceded more goals than Miami.
Atlanta has maintained an unbeaten record against Miami this season, having secured a 3-1 victory in Fort Lauderdale in May and later drawing 2-2 in Georgia in September.
Miami goalkeeper Drake Callander is aware that all the accolades received thus far will mean little without securing an MLS Cup title at the conclusion of the season.
"We didn't come this far, just to get this far," he remarked.
SportsLigue