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 coming from Luis Suárez.
The team managed to maintain its lead even after Tomás “Toto” Avilés received a red card late in the first half. This victory against second-place Cincinnati marked a significant achievement for the South Florida team.
Lionel Messi, who watched the match from the stands alongside seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, was once again absent from the field. Messi has played in only 12 of Miami’s 26 MLS games this season as he continues to recover from an ankle ligament injury sustained during Argentina’s Copa América final victory over Colombia on July 14. Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino indicated that Messi is expected to return before the regular season concludes.
Suárez’s quick brace solidified Inter Miami’s playoff spot. This will be the first time Miami has reached the postseason since 2022, following a disappointing 14th place finish in the Eastern Conference last year, accumulating only 34 points across 34 games.
The top seven teams from each conference automatically qualify for the best-of-three playoff series, starting on October 26. The higher seed will host the opening game of each series, with the format allowing for a potential third match hosted by the higher seed if necessary.
Inter Miami will host at least one playoff game at Chase Stadium. After the first round, there will be a pause in the playoffs for the November FIFA international window, with action resuming on November 23 for the conference semifinals. The MLS Cup is scheduled for December 7 at the venue of the higher-seeded team.
Currently, Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference with 56 points from 26 games, increasing its margin over Cincinnati to eight points. With eight regular-season matches remaining, Miami is also in contention for the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and has the opportunity to set a new franchise record for points.