Messi’s Miami opens playoffs as MLS Cup favorites, though history isn’t on their side. The 2024 MLS Cup playoffs are set to begin on Tuesday, following an extensive regular season where Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami emerged as the team to beat.
Inter Miami will face the winner of Tuesday’s single-elimination Eastern Conference wildcard match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers will battle in the West’s play-in on Wednesday. The Round 1 series kicks off on October 25, with the Herons taking on either Atlanta or Montreal. Fans can catch all the action on Apple TV.
Recently, Messi led Miami to an unprecedented regular season, marked by an 11-minute hat trick in a thrilling comeback victory over the New England Revolution. This win secured the Herons a record-breaking 74 points, solidifying their status as favorites.
With their Supporters Shield triumph, Miami gains home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Additionally, Tata Martino’s squad has qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup, a fact announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino following Saturday’s victory. Infantino also revealed that the Herons will host the tournament’s opening match at the 65,000-capacity Hard Rock Stadium.
However, FIFA’s decision to award the Club World Cup spot has sparked debate. The MLS Cup remains the league’s most prestigious title, a championship that has defined the best in the U.S. and Canada for nearly three decades, unlike the Supporters Shield.
Miami can silence critics by clinching the MLS Cup, but that task is easier said than done.
Historically, finishing first during the regular season has not guaranteed postseason success. Only eight Supporters Shield winners have also lifted the MLS Cup since the league’s inception in 1996, with just five achieving this feat in the 21st century.
Given Messi’s dominance and Miami’s strong performance in 2024, few would be surprised if they became the sixth team to win both titles on December 7. Nevertheless, they will face formidable challenges, particularly from the defending champion Columbus Crew, who could be a potential opponent in the Eastern Conference final.
In the Western Conference, the rivalry between two Los Angeles teams has intensified, with the LA Galaxy missing out on the top seed after a last-minute defeat in their regular-season finale against Houston. Meanwhile, 2022 champions LAFC narrowly edged out their city rivals by defeating the struggling San Jose Earthquakes.
Here are the Round 1 matchups.
Eastern Conference
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United or CF Montreal
No matter which team emerges from the wildcard match, there will be compelling narratives. Martino, who previously led Atlanta to the 2018 MLS Cup title, faces a former star player, Josef Martinez, now with Montreal. Martinez played a crucial role in helping the Bleu-Blanc-Noir secure their playoff spot.
Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC
Orlando City, despite a recent loss to Atlanta, had shown strong form prior, winning six out of their last seven matches. They previously defeated Charlotte 2-0 on September 18. Their playoff series commences Sunday in Central Florida (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX Deportes/Apple TV).
FC Cincinnati vs. NYCFC
Last year’s Supporters Shield winners, FC Cincinnati, finished fifth overall, managing only three victories in their last dozen matches. However, with 2023 MLS MVP Lucho Acosta leading the charge, they remain a formidable opponent. Their playoff series begins at TQL Stadium on October 28 (6:45 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX Deportes/Apple TV).
Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls
The Crew, fresh off their championship win last December, are aiming for another successful playoff run. After winning the Leagues Cup and narrowly losing in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, they are well-prepared. The Red Bulls, despite their long playoff streak, have yet to secure an MLS Cup title. Their opening match is scheduled for October 29 (6:45 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX Deportes/Apple TV).
Western Conference
LAFC vs. Portland Timbers or Vancouver Whitecaps
LAFC, last year’s runner-up, begins its playoff journey on Sunday (9:45 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX Deportes/Apple TV) with aspirations of returning to the final for a third consecutive year. They were unbeaten against both the Timbers and Whitecaps during the regular season.
Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo
The Sounders are known for their playoff resilience, boasting a strong historical record against the Dynamo. They recently triumphed over Houston at Lumen Field, which will host their rematch next Monday (9 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX Deportes/Apple TV). The two teams previously played to a 2-2 draw in Texas this past June.
Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United
The path to winning the MLS Cup often hinges on a team’s form as the playoffs approach. Minnesota United enters the postseason on a high note, having secured six victories in their last eight matches. Conversely, Real Salt Lake has maintained steady performance throughout the year, finishing sixth overall. Their final Round 1 match kicks off on October 29 (9:00 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX Deportes/Apple TV).
LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids
The Galaxy are likely regretting their recent loss, while the Rapids, led by first-year coach Chris Armas, have shown marked improvement this season. However, they suffered a setback on Decision Day when star playmaker Djordje Mihailović was injured. His potential return later in the series remains uncertain.
