The Inter Miami secured their spot in the playoffs of the Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cincinnati, thanks to a double from Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the match.
While awaiting the return of their main star, Argentine Lionel Messi, from injury, the team managed by coach Gerardo Martino successfully navigated Matchday 28 to remain at the top of the Eastern Conference with a total of 56 points, following 17 wins, five draws, and four losses.
In the crucial game, Suárez, a former player of Barcelona and Liverpool, among other teams, scored in the first and sixth minutes to secure an early lead that remained unchanged. Naturally, he took to social media to celebrate the goals and the playoff qualification.
Moreover, “El Pistolero,” one of the most lethal strikers ever, reached 18 goals in the current league, surpassing the record set by Gonzalo Higuaín (16) as the club's top scorer in a single season.
The next match for the Florida-based team will be on Saturday, the 31st, against Chicago Fire as visitors, and Messi is not expected to feature. Following this, there will be a two-week break for the FIFA international window, allowing more recovery time for “La Pulga,” as he was not called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for the fixtures against Chile and Colombia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Key Questions About Inter Miami’s Playoff Journey
Here are some common questions and answers regarding Inter Miami’s recent success and key players as they head into the MLS playoffs.
How did Luis Suárez contribute to Inter Miami's playoff qualification?
Luis Suárez scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Cincinnati, securing Inter Miami's spot in the MLS playoffs and was named the MVP of the match.
What is the current status of Lionel Messi in Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi is currently recovering from an injury and is not expected to play in the next match against Chicago Fire. He also has not been called up for the international fixtures during the FIFA window.
Who held the previous goal-scoring record for Inter Miami?
The previous goal-scoring record for Inter Miami in a single season was held by Gonzalo Higuaín with 16 goals, which has now been surpassed by Luis Suárez with 18 goals.