To Qualify for MLS Playoffs, What Does Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Need?

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Inter Miami, boosted by the presence of Lionel Messi, has been causing a stir in the MLS of late. Accumulating seven points out of a possible nine and maintaining an undefeated streak of 11 games since Messi's integration into the squad have ignited the hopes of Herons fans.

Following a 3-1 victory against reigning champions Los Angeles FC (LAFC) at the BMO Stadium, the notion of securing a spot in the MLS playoffs has become a trending topic. However, how attainable is this aspiration? BETIMATE delves deeper into the prerequisites that Inter Miami must fulfill in the upcoming matches to clinch a berth in the MLS play-offs.

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As it stands, Inter Miami faces a substantial gap to bridge. They currently occupy the second-to-last position in the Eastern Conference, amassing a mere 25 points. Furthermore, they share the unenviable distinction of having the highest number of losses this season, tied with Montreal at 14 defeats.

Inter Miami must also contend with the challenge of navigating international breaks in September and October, which will result in the absence of key players such as Lionel Messi, who will be representing the Argentina national team for two or three fixtures.

To gauge the team's target, fans can refer to historical data. Over the past three seasons, the ninth-placed team in the Eastern Conference averaged 43.3 points to secure their position. This serves as a valuable benchmark for Inter Miami. With their current tally of 25 points, the team must achieve an average of over two points per game in the remaining nine matches to meet this objective.

A noteworthy advantage in favor of Inter Miami is the number of games yet to be played. Most of the teams ranked higher than Miami in the standings have participated in at least two more games. This grants Inter Miami the advantage of having games in hand, which could prove pivotal in the grand scheme.

For a more specific reference, the ninth-place finishers in the Eastern Conference tallied 42 and 47 points in the 2022 and 2021 seasons, respectively. To exercise prudence, aiming for the 47-point threshold appears sensible for Inter Miami. Any setbacks at this stage would severely compromise their playoff prospects.

The Herons currently possess two games in hand over ninth-placed D.C. United, who are eight points ahead. If Inter Miami triumphs in these two additional fixtures, they could potentially narrow the deficit to just two points, rendering their journey to the playoffs more feasible. This context injects an additional layer of excitement and possibility into the team's aspirations.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Messi's arrival and a series of positive outcomes, Inter Miami faces a formidable challenge to reach the MLS playoffs. The team must maintain an average of approximately two points per game in the remaining encounters, all while missing key players during international breaks. While the task is undeniably formidable, recent performances suggest that it remains within the realm of possibility. Herons fans will undoubtedly be watching with bated breath.

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