The final stretch of the 2024 MLS season is when all eyes are on Inter Miami. Coming on the back of securing the prestigious Supporters' Shield, the Herons' last remaining mission would be to break the record for the single-season points in MLS currently held by New England Revolution-73 points in the 2021 season. With only two matches left and having 68 points already secured, Inter Miami needs to win both remaining games if it hopes to pull off a historic feat.
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The first of these crucial matches is against Toronto FC, who desperately need to book a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The previous regular-season match in Toronto is sure to be tense, as the team has suddenly been plunged into a fight for a playoff berth after a lackluster campaign.
Inter Miami: A Giant on the Rise
With Lionel Messi at the helm, Inter Miami has been a steamroller this season. Winners of the Supporters' Shield, this team stands a mere six points away from a goal that few thought was attainable. The stellar season of Messi-17 goals and 15 assists in 17 games-has been highly instrumental to this, and his return from injury couldn't have come at any better time, further solidifying this team when it mattered most.
The team from Miami has been equated with offensive power, leading the league in goals scored so far, with 71. Besides Messi, Luis Suárez has been another key player, netting 18 goals to place among the league's top scorers. The two form an imposing attacking duo bound to keep the Toronto FC defense on its toes.
Toronto FC: Last Chance to Save Season
While Inter Miami has secured the Supporters' Shield and home-field advantage in the playoffs, Toronto FC is still fighting to make the cut and survive in the playoff race. It's been a really tough season, but there's still a glimmer of hope, however slim, to grab the ninth and final spot in the Eastern Conference. Coming into this final game with the pressure of a recent 4-1 loss against the New York Red Bulls,.
Things are even tougher for Toronto as Federico Bernardeschi is out suspended after seeing red. With Messi at the helm, Inter Miami looks unstoppable, which may be a significant blow to whatever chances Toronto had.
Messi and Suárez: The Golden Couple
With Messi and Suárez spearheading the attack, Inter Miami will have a natural advantage. Ininskyy expresses that the chemistry between these two global soccer icons has worked to translate into a deadly combo against opponents. Messi was the maestro in midfield and has proven to be a game-changer, and Suarez was clinical as a forward. Both would be very important in these final two matches, more so since the MLS points record is within reach.
Messi has already won numerous Player of the Day awards this season, moving him onto a hall of fame-like list that includes the likes of Thierry Henry and Carlos Vela. Beyond his technical skills, Messi's presence on the field is very psychological; his aura tends to intimidate opponents and elevate his teammates. For Toronto, who've already felt the sting of the Argentine star, stopping Messi is close to an impossible task.
Toronto vs. Inter Miami: The Head-to-Head
History is not an ally for Toronto FC in this clash against Inter Miami, as in nine games between teams, they have only managed two wins against the seven of Miami. If that wasn't enough, Toronto hasn't beaten Inter Miami at home since a 2-0 shutout in March 2023.
Going into that not-so-good track record, Toronto FC has their tools and will now bank on their home crowd to give them the push for this final regular-season match. The team needs to come above their struggles and neutralize some key players in Miami if they are to keep playoff hopes alive.