Miami can clinch playoffs, climb standings in showdown with NYCFC

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami can officially seal their place in the MLS Cup playoffs on Wednesday night when they visit a New York City FC side that clinched its postseason berth over the weekend.

A draw would be enough to secure that playoff spot, and a win would take Miami (15-6-7, 52 points) above fourth-place New York City (16-9-5, 53 points) and Charlotte FC, into third in the Eastern Conference standings.

And while a second consecutive Supporters' Shield title might be unlikely -- Miami enters Wednesday trailing leaders Philadelphia by eight points with three matches in hand -- manager Javier Mascherano wants to build momentum regardless.

Miami is coming in off back-to-back home wins over D.C. United and Seattle.

"It's a very important win because, by the end of this week, we earned the six points we needed here at home," Mascherano said after Saturday's 3-2 win over D.C. United. "We've moved up in the standings, and we still have some games in hand. If we can get good results, it will allow us to climb even higher and finish near the top of the table."

Messi scored two goals and assisted a third in the win over D.C. He's tied for the MLS lead with 22 goals -- two more than he scored while limited to 19 regular-season games in 2024 -- and can move back in front of LAFC's Denis Bouanga if his next goal comes during this match.

Forward Luis Suarez is also set to return from a three-match suspension that stemmed from a spitting incident following Miami's loss at Seattle in the Leagues Cup final in August.

NYCFC also enter on a three-game winning streak and as victors of five of their last six. Most recently, they slayed Charlotte 2-0 at home on Saturday afternoon to halt The Crown's MLS-record-tying nine-game winning streak.

Alonso Martinez leads NYCFC with 17 goals. Key additions like Brazilian defender Raul Gustavo and Argentine winger Nicolas Fernandez Mercau have helped contribute to a considerable improvement following the Leagues Cup break.

"They bring the extra quality we were looking for, and both are flexible enough to play multiple positions, which helps the team while maintaining high standards," NYCFC coach Pascal Jensen said. "Mentality-wise, they're winners. They've brought energy and a winning mindset to the group. We're very happy they chose to join our project, and you've seen their impact in recent games."

--Field Level Media