In recent weeks, Major League Soccer (MLS) teams have been celebrating significant victories. The Seattle Sounders secured their inaugural Leagues Cup title, marking a historic achievement as the first MLS team to claim all major soccer trophies in the United States after their 3-0 victory against Inter Miami on August 31. Additionally, on October 1, the Vancouver Whitecaps triumphed over Vancouver FC with a 4-2 scoreline in the Canadian Championship Final, while Nashville SC clinched their first trophy in club history by edging Austin FC 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup Final.
Following their defeat to Seattle, Inter Miami faced a rocky start but rallied with three consecutive wins against Seattle, D.C. United, and New York City FC. However, their aspirations for a second Supporters’ Shield were dashed with a 1-1 draw against Toronto and a surprising 5-3 home loss to Chicago. Despite these setbacks, the team rebounded with decisive victories, thrashing the already-eliminated New England Revolution 4-1 and then overpowering Atlanta United 4-0, thanks to goals from Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba (who netted three in his last two games), and Lionel Messi with a brace. Nashville also enjoyed a solid response to their historic win, managing a 1-1 draw in Montreal.
Looking ahead, Miami’s upcoming match against Nashville carries both emotional weight and practical significance, as it will be the final regular-season game for legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who will retire after the 2025 season. Alba, recognized as one of the game’s greatest left-backs, has celebrated a remarkable 16-year career with clubs including Barcelona and Miami. Meanwhile, Busquets has built a reputation as one of Europe’s premier defensive midfielders, joining the ranks of notable players like Xabi Alonso and Casemiro.
Unlike Leagues or other major competitions, MLS does not crown its champion based solely on regular-season performance, a lesson learned by Miami last season when they recorded the best points total only to be eliminated in the first round of playoffs by Atlanta. Since acquiring Messi, Alba, and Busquets in 2023, Miami has yet to face a trophyless season, capturing both the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. For the 2025 season to yield another title, Miami must secure a strong playoff position, currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with 62 points, just one point shy of third-place Cincinnati and two points ahead of San Diego FC.
High playoff seeds are crucial as they dictate the hosting rights for the first and decisive matches of the playoff rounds, including the MLS Cup Final. Miami, boasting the fourth-best home record in MLS with 11 wins and 3 draws from 17 games, contrasts with their seventh-place status as an away team, having only managed 7 wins and 5 draws out of 16 matches. They will aim to break their away slump as they face Nashville at Geodis Park this Saturday, seeking to enhance their playoff positioning and aim for the elusive MLS Cup.
This match not only offers Miami a chance to end their away losses but also serves as a heartfelt farewell to two of soccer’s icons as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives. As the experience of these players melds with Miami’s ambition, the hope remains that they will rise to the occasion and further add to their impressive trophy haul.