Inter Miami secured a spot in the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs with a convincing 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati. The match, which took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, saw Luis Suárez shine with two crucial goals for the South Florida side. Despite facing adversity with a red card to Tomás “Toto” Avilés in the first half, Inter Miami managed to hold onto their lead and secure the win.
Notably, Inter Miami was without the presence of Lionel Messi, who was sidelined due to an ankle ligament injury. Messi, a key player for the team, has only featured in 12 out of 26 MLS games this season. His absence did not deter Inter Miami, as they put on a strong performance and clinched their spot in the playoffs.
This victory marks Inter Miami’s return to the postseason after missing out on the playoffs last year. The team finished in 14th place in the Eastern Conference table in the previous season but has shown tremendous improvement this year. With the top seven teams from each conference qualifying for the playoffs, Inter Miami is now in a prime position to make a deep playoff run.
Playoff Format
The upcoming MLS playoffs will feature a best-of-three series, with the higher seed hosting the first game. Inter Miami, currently sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference, will have the advantage of hosting at least one playoff match at Chase Stadium. The team’s strong performance throughout the season has put them in contention for the Supporters’ Shield and a potential new team points record.
With eight regular-season matches left to play, Inter Miami is poised to make a statement in the playoffs. Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s guidance has been instrumental in the team’s success, and the players are focused on achieving their ultimate goal of winning the MLS Cup. As they continue their journey in the postseason, Inter Miami will look to build on their recent victory and make a strong push towards championship glory.