Inter Miami secured a place in the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs after defeating FC Cincinnati 2-0 on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with both goals scored by Luis Suárez.
Despite having Tomás “Toto” Avilés sent off late in the first half at Chase Stadium, the team managed to maintain their lead in the second half against the second-placed Cincinnati.
Lionel Messi was again absent from the game, watching from the stands alongside seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Messi has participated in only 12 of Miami’s 26 MLS matches this season and is still recovering from an ankle ligament injury incurred during Argentina’s Copa América final triumph over Colombia on July 14.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino stated on Friday that Messi is expected to return before the regular season concludes.
Luis Suárez’s two quick goals helped confirm Inter Miami’s playoff berth this season. This marks the Herons’ return to the postseason for the first time since 2022, a year in which they failed to qualify, finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference with only 34 points from 34 games.
The top seven teams from each conference automatically qualify for the round one best-of-three playoff series beginning on October 26. The higher-seeded team will host the first game, followed by the second match at the lower seed’s venue, and potentially a third match hosted by the higher seed if needed.
Inter Miami will host at least one playoff game at Chase Stadium.
After the first round, playoff action will pause for the November FIFA international window, resuming on November 23 for the conference semifinals. The MLS Cup is scheduled for December 7 at the venue of the higher-seeded participant.
Currently, Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference with 56 points from 26 matches, increasing their advantage over Cincinnati to eight points. With eight regular-season games remaining, Miami is also in contention for the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and has a chance to set a new team record for points.