MLS playoffs are in flux as Inter Miami stands on the brink of history this Decision Day. The stakes are high, with teams scrambling to secure their playoff positions while Miami aims to etch its name in the record books.
Led by global superstar Lionel Messi, the Miami squad has the chance to claim the all-time points record in Major League Soccer. Currently sitting at 71 points, they are just two points shy of the New England Revolution’s record of 73 set in 2021.
Having already secured the top position in the Eastern Conference and clinched the Supporters Shield, Miami is poised to make a significant mark in the league.
Messi, a leading contender for the MLS MVP award this season, boasts impressive stats with 17 goals and 15 assists in just 18 appearances, hampered by an ankle injury and international duties with Argentina.
Despite the potential for history, Messi’s participation against New England remains uncertain due to the match lacking playoff implications and his recent return from national team obligations.
“Back in January, aiming for the points record seemed far-fetched; now it’s within our grasp, and we want to achieve it,” remarked Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. “However, we won’t take reckless risks, as the most critical matches are just six days away. Player management is key.”
[Related: Lionel Messi leaves door open for 2026 World Cup: ‘We will see’]
Meanwhile, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke is on the verge of securing the 2024 MLS Golden Boot, leading the league with 23 goals, outpacing 2023 winner Denis Bouanga from LAFC and Cucho Hernández from the Crew, both of whom have scored 19.
As Decision Day unfolds, two playoff spots remain unclaimed in the Eastern Conference. D.C. United and Montreal sit in eighth and ninth place, respectively, while Philadelphia and Atlanta are still in the mix.
Benteke emphasized that D.C. United will not focus on other matches during their final game against Charlotte, as all Eastern Conference matches will occur simultaneously.
“We faced ups and downs this season, and now we are at the finish line. It’s thrilling because this is our moment. Our hard work has led us here,” Benteke stated.
The No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in each conference will compete for the last playoff spot, with the chance to face the top-seeded team — Miami in the East and either LA Galaxy or LAFC in the West.
While all nine playoff spots have been secured in the Western Conference, the Galaxy and LAFC are still vying for the top seed. The Galaxy requires either a win or a draw against Houston to secure that position.
Should the Galaxy win, they will finish with 67 points, matching their total from 2011, a season that culminated in an MLS championship.
“It’s fantastic that this game carries significance,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney remarked. “At this stage, I’d prefer to play a meaningful match rather than one lacking purpose before the real competition begins. It helps maintain focus and intensity within the team.”
The top four seeds in each conference will earn home-field advantage for the first round of playoffs after Decision Day.
In the Western Conference, Cascadia Cup rivals Portland and Vancouver occupy the wild card positions, a situation that could shift as the bottom five playoff-bound teams are closely packed within six points.
The Whitecaps aim to climb the standings this weekend against Real Salt Lake, although they face challenges, having gone winless in their last six matches.
