Inter Miami secured a place in the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, thanks to a pair of goals from Luis Suárez.
Despite losing Tomás “Toto” Avilés to a red card late in the first half at Chase Stadium, the South Florida team managed to maintain their lead in the second half against the second-place Cincinnati squad.
Lionel Messi, who has appeared in only 12 of Miami’s 26 MLS games this season due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during the Copa América final on July 14, was not in the lineup. He was seen supporting the team from the stands alongside football legend Tom Brady. Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino mentioned on Friday that Messi is expected to return before the regular season concludes.
Suárez’s timely goals assured Inter Miami a spot in this season’s MLS playoffs. This marks the team’s first postseason appearance since 2022, having missed out last year by finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference with just 34 points across 34 matches.
The top seven teams from each conference automatically advance to the first round of the best-of-three playoff series, starting on October 26. In these matchups, the higher seed will host the first game, with the second game played away and a possible third game at the higher seed’s venue if needed. Inter Miami will host at least one playoff game at Chase Stadium.
After the first round, the playoffs will pause for the November FIFA international window, resuming on November 23 for the conference semifinals. The MLS Cup is scheduled to take place on December 7 at the home of the higher-ranked finalist.
Currently, Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference with 56 points in 26 games, eight points ahead of Cincinnati. With eight regular-season matches remaining, Miami is also well-positioned to compete for the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and has the chance to achieve a new franchise points record.