Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are gearing up to face Atlanta United in the MLS Cup Playoff opener. Messi, who experienced only one loss in the MLS in 2024 against Atlanta United, will be making his playoff debut on Friday night at home.
Inter Miami had a remarkable regular season, setting MLS records for the most points and best winning percentage. They will face a tough challenge in the playoffs against Atlanta United in a best-of-three Eastern Conference first-round series. Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to injury and national team commitments, Messi is still a strong contender for the league MVP title with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 appearances.
Inter Miami defender Julian Gressel expressed his admiration for Messi, stating that he would have voted for him as the MVP due to his exceptional performance. Messi’s presence is crucial for Inter Miami’s MLS Cup aspirations, and Friday night’s match marks the first home playoff game in the club’s history.
If Inter Miami manages to win the series against Atlanta United, they will continue to play at home for the remainder of the season, enjoying the advantage of home-field edge in the subsequent playoff matches. This is a historic moment for Miami, as highlighted by soccer icon David Beckham, who emphasized the importance of creating a legacy for the city and the fans.
The arrival of Messi in 2023 was a significant milestone for Inter Miami, propelling the team onto the global stage. Following their victory in the Leagues Cup last year and the Supporters Shield this year, Inter Miami is now aiming for the MLS playoff title. There are connections between the two franchises, with Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino having previously coached Atlanta United to an MLS Cup victory in 2018.
Atlanta United earned their spot in the series by defeating Montreal in a wild-card match, setting up a challenging showdown against Messi and his teammates. Interim coach Rob Valentino acknowledged Messi’s exceptional talent but also emphasized the strength of the entire Inter Miami team.
The atmosphere at the stadium is expected to be electric on Friday night, as fans eagerly anticipate the crucial playoff match. Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender emphasized the team’s determination and readiness to compete, highlighting the significance of the upcoming game in their playoff journey.
As the playoffs kick off, all eyes will be on Messi and Inter Miami as they strive for success in the MLS Cup. The matchup against Atlanta United promises to be an intense battle between two talented teams vying for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
