Inter Miami secured a spot in the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs with a convincing 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The victory was made possible by two goals from Luis Suárez, despite facing adversity with a red card to Tomás “Toto” Avilés late in the first half.
Notably, Miami played without star player Lionel Messi, and the absence did not seem to hinder their performance. Messi, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, has only been able to participate in 12 of Miami’s 26 MLS games. However, coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino remains optimistic about Messi’s return before the end of the regular season.
The win against FC Cincinnati marks Inter Miami’s return to the postseason for the first time since 2022. Last season, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. The current success signals a significant improvement and determination from the team.
As the regular season winds down, Inter Miami sits comfortably in first place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points in 26 games. With the possibility of setting a new team points record and leading the race for the Supporters’ Shield, the team seems poised for a successful playoff run.
With the top seven teams from each conference automatically qualifying for the first round of the playoffs, Inter Miami has positioned itself as a strong contender. The playoffs are set to begin on October 26, with Miami hosting at least one match at Chase Stadium. The team’s performance in the postseason will be crucial in determining their ultimate success in the 2024 MLS season.