In a dramatic showdown at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami’s aspirations for postseason glory were abruptly halted as they faced Atlanta United in a nail-biting conclusion to their playoff series. The 3-2 defeat in the decisive third match not only marked the end of their 2024 campaign but also sparked a contentious conversation regarding the structure of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs. Prominent among the voices expressing discontent was Jordi Alba, who firmly criticized the format as “unfair.” This article explores Alba’s critique, the implications of the playoff format, and the overall performance of Inter Miami during the season.
For Jordi Alba, this season represented a new chapter as he experienced the postseason for the first time. The prior year’s campaign saw Inter Miami languishing in 14th place within the Eastern Conference, thus missing out on any playoff action. Yet, following a transformative offseason that included securing Lionel Messi and other talented players, Inter Miami soared to the top of the conference, clinching the Supporters’ Shield and setting a record for the most points in a single season. Despite their impressive statistics, the team faced a bitter end that left both players and fans reconsidering what “success” really meant.
After their loss, Alba candidly expressed his views on the playoff format and its perceived inequities. “It is clear that it has been done this way for many years, but if it were up to me, I would make it a one-off championship match between the conference champions,” he stated. Through this lens, Alba not only highlighted the stakes involved but also the arbitrary nature of a multi-game series, where the cumulative performance can overshadow a single match’s brilliance.
The MLS playoff format employs a best-of-three series in the opening rounds, which, as Alba points out, may lead to a misrepresentation of a team’s capabilities. In their playoff series against Atlanta, Inter Miami initially showcased their potential by winning the first match only to falter in the subsequent games. Their series showcased the paradox of the format; one dominant match can quickly be overshadowed by a couple of unfortunate performances. Alba’s insistence on a more straightforward championship match format brings to light a crucial question: should playoff systems prioritize fairness over tradition?
Despite the breakneck statistics and notable achievements, such as breaking the league record for points, Inter Miami’s head coach Gerardo Martino was notably cautious in defining the season as a success. “When one is eliminated here in the quarterfinals, no. It had good things; it had bad things,” Martino explained after the game. Such statements reflect a broader narrative in professional sports where the journey often overshadows the destination.
While many fans might view the season positively due to their impressive regular-season performance, the abrupt playoff exit serves as a sobering reminder that only victories in the postseason matter to elevate a club’s stature. This discrepancy between season-long success and postseason failure raises questions about the true definition of achievement in sports.
With the 2024 MLS season now concluded, Inter Miami finds itself at a crossroads. Entering the offseason, the franchise will focus on refining its roster and perhaps reevaluating its strategies to bridge the gap between dominant regular-season performance and playoff success. The criticisms from Alba may shape discussions within the front office and among the coaching staff as they consider how to enhance their competitive edge for the 2025 campaign.
Jordi Alba’s criticisms of the MLS playoff format resonate with a wider audience, igniting discussions not only about fairness in competitive sports but also about what constitutes a successful season. As Inter Miami moves forward, it faces pressure not only to build upon this year’s remarkable achievements but also to ensure that future playoff formats reflect the strengths of teams more accurately. Only time will tell if these conversations lead to meaningful reforms in Major League Soccer, but for now, the spotlight remains on the pitch, where future battles for glory will take place.