Inter Miami kick off their MLS Cup campaign this weekend with a best-of-three series against Nashville SC in the first round.
By James Nalton
Lionel Messi’s side have been drawn against the same opponent they faced last Saturday in the final game of the regular season, when they ran out 5-2 winners in Tennessee.
The best-of-three format, which is used only in the first round, does allow for some leeway for the favourites, as they can afford to lose one game as long as they win the other two, but Miami will be looking to get the job done with a game to spare.
Inter Miami’s 2025 season begins now
Having failed to win any of the other competitions they have entered this season, Inter Miami are left with one more trophy to play for.
They didn’t manage to add silverware in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and Club World Cup, and neither could they retain the Supporters’ Shield title they won last season.
The one remaining competition they can win, and will be favourites to do so, it the MLS Cup.
It is this trophy they have been targeting ever since Messi rocked up in Florida in 2023, and this is their second go at trying to win it.
Last year, they were knocked out at this stage after a shock series defeat to Atlanta United, who won game three of the best-of-three in dramatic fashion.
Nashville SC will have this in mind and will believe they can do the same.
Opposition watch: Nashville SC
Nashville were 2-1 up as they went in at half-time in last weekend’s game against Miami.
Goals from Sam Surridge and the tireless Jacob Shaffelburg had the home side in high spirits at the break, with Hany Mukhtar also looking good as he set up Surridge’s goal.
Teams always have a chance against Miami given their lack of organisation in defence, and Nashville have enough firepower to have a very good one.
It all depends, as is so often the case against Javier Mascherano’s side, on what Messi does at the other end and whether he can be stopped.
Nashville couldn’t stop him last week as he scored a hat-trick and registered an assist in the game that Inter Miami eventually won 5-2 after scoring four in the second half.
The recent meeting means BJ Callaghan’s side are now familiar with where Inter Miami are at and how they are setting up, though, and the team from Tennessee will hope to learn from last week’s defeat.
Messi watch
If Messi wasn’t already a shoo-in for the 2025 MLS MVP, his hat-trick last weekend further reinforced his case.
When he inevitably picks up the award, he will become the first player to win it in back-to-back seasons, and only the second player to win it twice (Preki being the other).
The aim now is to replicate this form in the playoffs, which is the trophy Inter Miami truly craves.
If Messi’s postseason performances match his regular season displays, Inter Miami, despite their tendency to concede plenty of goals themselves, are favourites for the title.
Prediction
Inter Miami get off to winning ways at home in this best-of-three series.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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