Messi and Inter Miami receive major MLS playoffs boost after three rivals lose

24 September 2023 , 20:09

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Lionel Messi now has a fighting chance of inspiring Inter Miami to a dramatic finish in the MLS regular season following losses for three key rivals (Image: Harry How/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi's hopes of leading Inter Miami to the MLS playoffs have received a major boost after rivals D.C. United, Montreal and Charlotte FC fell to defeat.

The Herons still remain outsiders in their quest to qualify but they could not have wished for a better round of results from around the grounds in the latest round of fixtures. After an horrendous start to the season they sat rock bottom of the Eastern Conference prior to Messi's arrival - having won one in their previous 10 games.

However, Vice City's resurgence following the resumption of MLS after the Leagues Cup success has put them on 31 points after 28 games out of 34. With results going their way, Gerardo Martino's men can now feasibly have one eye on the final qualification slot- occupied by D.C. United.

Wayne Rooney's team fell to defeat in a 5-3 thriller against the New York Red Bulls, which left them just five points ahead of Miami, having played three more games. Things got better for Messi and his teammates when Montreal also slumped to a 4-1 loss versus Atlanta United.

Currently sat in the second playoffs berth, the Canadian outfit's defeat meant that they were six points ahead of the Floridan franchise, having played twice more. With an inferior goal difference to Miami, they will also be looking over their shoulders with particular concern.

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Of further cause for encouragement is the loss Charlotte FC incurred versus Cincinnati, with the team's own playoff hopes having experienced a hammer blow. They are just two points ahead of Miami and three off DCU, having played one game more than the former.

Of course, a win for New York City against Toronto FC would take them into the playoff spots, with six points over Miami, having played three more. However, a win for the Herons against neighbours Orlando City would breathe major life into their tilt towards an unlikely playoffs slot.

D.C. United head coach Wayne Rooney has a fight on his hands for a MLS playoffs slot (AP)

With six games still to play for Miami in the regular season, it is clear that they will require all hands on deck to make their dream a reality. An obvious concern for head coach will be the fitness of his talisman Messi, who has been struggling in recent weeks.

Having sat out of a World Cup qualifier with Argentina on international duty, he also missed Vice City's 5-2 drubbing versus Atlanta United. Concerns will also abound after the veteran winger was withdrawn from the action after just 37 minutes of action against Toronto subsequently.

Addressing the situation, head coach Martino explained: "It’s scar tissue from an old injury that’s bothering him. There were no signs of a muscle injury from the scans that he brought with him from Argentina national team duty.

He added: "We also rested him (vs. Atlanta United) because of that scar that was bothering him. And I believe the situation is the same, that there isn’t a muscle injury."

Tom Beattie