In a thrilling match on Saturday night, Inter Miami secured their spot in the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati. The hero of the night was Luis Suárez, who scored both goals for Miami. Despite facing a setback with a red card to Tomás “Toto” Avilés in the first half, the South Florida side managed to maintain their lead and come out on top against second-place Cincinnati.
Messi’s Absence
One notable absence from the match was Lionel Messi, who was watching from the stands along with Tom Brady. Messi, who has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final in July, has only played in 12 out of 26 MLS games this season. However, Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino expressed confidence that Messi would return before the end of the regular season.
This victory marks Inter Miami’s return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Last year, the team failed to qualify, finishing in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. With the top seven teams from each conference automatically qualifying for the playoffs, Miami is now in a strong position heading into the postseason.
The playoffs will consist of a round one best-of-three series, beginning on Oct. 26. Each series will follow a format where the higher seed hosts the first game, with the possibility of playing the third match if needed. Inter Miami will have the advantage of hosting at least one playoff match at Chase Stadium.
With their win over Cincinnati, Inter Miami now sits in first place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points in 26 games. They have extended their lead over Cincinnati to eight points, putting them in a strong position for the playoffs. With eight regular-season matches remaining, Miami is also in the running for the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and has the opportunity to set a new team points record. The team’s fans are undoubtedly excited at the prospect of a successful postseason run.
Overall, Inter Miami’s victory over FC Cincinnati was a significant milestone in their season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting playoff campaign. With key players like Luis Suárez leading the charge, the team has shown their strength and determination as they aim for success in the postseason.
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