(Photo credit score: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami can formally seal their place within the MLS Cup playoffs on Wednesday evening after they go to a New York City FC facet that clinched its postseason berth over the weekend.
A draw can be sufficient to safe that playoff spot, and a win would take Miami (15-6-7, 52 factors) above fourth-place New York City (16-9-5, 53 factors) and Charlotte FC, into third within the Eastern Conference standings.
And whereas a second consecutive Supporters’ Shield title is likely to be unlikely — Miami enters Wednesday trailing leaders Philadelphia by eight factors with three matches in hand — supervisor Javier Mascherano needs to construct momentum regardless.
Miami is coming in off back-to-back dwelling wins over D.C. United and Seattle.
‘It’s an important win as a result of, by the top of this week, we earned the six factors we would have liked right here at dwelling,’ Mascherano mentioned after Saturday’s 3-2 win over D.C. United. ‘We’ve moved up within the standings, and we nonetheless have some video games in hand. If we are able to get good outcomes, it’ll enable us to climb even increased and end close to the highest of the desk.’
Messi scored two targets and assisted a 3rd within the win over D.C. He’s tied for the MLS lead with 22 targets — two greater than he scored whereas restricted to 19 regular-season video games in 2024 — and might transfer again in entrance of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga if his subsequent objective comes throughout this match.
Forward Luis Suarez can be set to return from a three-match suspension that stemmed from a spitting incident following Miami’s loss at Seattle within the Leagues Cup remaining in August.
NYCFC additionally enter on a three-game profitable streak and as victors of 5 of their final six. Most not too long ago, they slayed Charlotte 2-0 at dwelling on Saturday afternoon to halt The Crown’s MLS-record-tying nine-game profitable streak.
Alonso Martinez leads NYCFC with 17 targets. Key additions like Brazilian defender Raul Gustavo and Argentine winger Nicolas Fernandez Mercau have helped contribute to a substantial enchancment following the Leagues Cup break.
‘They carry the additional high quality we have been on the lookout for, and each are versatile sufficient to play a number of positions, which helps the crew whereas sustaining excessive requirements,’ NYCFC coach Pascal Jensen mentioned. ‘Mentality-wise, they’re winners. They’ve introduced vitality and a profitable mindset to the group. We’re very completely satisfied they selected to hitch our mission, and you’ve got seen their impression in current video games.’
–Field Level Media
