Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Playoff journey kicks off this Friday night, with Lionel Messi and his team facing a gritty Atlanta United in Round One of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
After a dominant regular season that saw Miami claim the Supporters’ Shield, the team enters the postseason with high hopes and great form.
Messi, having recovered from an ankle injury that sidelined him for much of the summer, is back at full strength and ready to lead his side to the MLS Cup.
It’s official—we’ll face Atlanta United this Friday at Chase Stadium #ItsMiamiTime @RoyalCaribbean✨
️Get your tickets for the Audi 2024 MLS Playoffs here: https://t.co/RvdZlSSiX6 pic.twitter.com/43Vcn4NU2t
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2024
Lionel Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami’s Historic Regular Season
Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer has been nothing short of transformative for Inter Miami. His performance in the regular season was extraordinary, with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 appearances. His influence helped Miami break the MLS regular-season points record, finishing with an impressive 74 points.
Messi’s brilliance was on full display in the final game of the regular season, where he came off the bench to score a hat-trick in a 6-2 rout of the New England Revolution. His dazzling display not only boosted his own stats but also gave Miami a massive momentum push heading into the playoffs.
This resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time for Inter Miami. As head coach Tata Martino said, “For the team, it’s a boost of confidence, more confidence. The truth is, it’s a victory for all of us who make up the Inter Miami family. It’s hard to make this an individual achievement; I think it’s the triumph of everyone.”
Miami Faces a Resilient Atlanta United in Round One
Inter Miami’s opponents, Atlanta United, have had a turbulent season, but they managed to secure a spot in the playoffs on the final day. Despite dealing with managerial changes and the loss of key players like Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis, Atlanta has found form at the right time.
Their road to the playoffs wasn’t easy. Atlanta clinched their spot after a dramatic 2-1 win against Orlando City and then survived a penalty shootout against CF Montreal in the Eastern Conference wild-card game. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan made up for a costly second-half error by saving a crucial penalty in the shootout, helping his team to a 2-2 draw in regular time and securing their progression with a perfect performance from the spot.
Under interim head coach Rob Valentino, Atlanta United has gone unbeaten in their last three games. Valentino acknowledged his team’s newfound resilience, saying, “I don’t have a perfect answer for why, but I’m just glad it’s happening now. I think that over time we would see something like this. That was our internal belief.”
Despite their recent resurgence, Atlanta United will face an uphill battle against a Miami side that is in top form and led by one of the greatest players in football history.
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Key Players to Watch
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): There’s no denying that Lionel Messi is the player to watch in this playoff matchup. With his incredible form, Miami fans will be hoping he continues to shine in the postseason. His leadership, creativity, and ability to turn a game on its head are unmatched in the league.
Brad Guzan (Atlanta United): Atlanta’s veteran goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, has been a rock at the back, and his penalty shootout heroics against Montreal highlight his importance to the team. Guzan will need to be at his best to stop Messi and Miami’s potent attack.
Josef Martinez (Inter Miami): The former Atlanta United striker will be looking to get one over on his old club. Martinez is a clinical finisher, and with Messi pulling the strings, he could play a key role in Inter Miami’s playoff push.
Match Prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 Atlanta United
Given the form of Messi and the strength of Inter Miami’s squad, it’s hard to see Atlanta United causing an upset. Miami’s offensive firepower, led by Messi and Martinez, is likely to overwhelm Atlanta’s defense. While Atlanta has shown character in recent games, the quality gap between the two sides may be too much for them to overcome.
That said, Atlanta has proven capable of digging in and fighting for results. They may find a way to get on the scoresheet, but ultimately, Miami’s class and experience will likely see them through to the next round.
The records don’t stop ✍️ 7️⃣4️⃣ Sign of the match presented by @Lowes pic.twitter.com/1EmbDxnhk3
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2024
Looking Ahead: Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Ambitions
Inter Miami’s impressive regular-season campaign has set the stage for what could be a historic MLS Cup run. With Messi leading the charge, the team has the talent, momentum, and belief needed to go all the way. As they prepare to take on Atlanta United in the first round, expectations are high that Miami can navigate their way through the playoffs and lift the MLS Cup.
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