Inter Miami’s chances of reaching the MLS playoffs have taken a notable step forward after a weekend filled with tense results across the Eastern Conference. The Herons now know they control their own destiny more than they did a week ago, and that shift matters as the race tightens late in the season.
Across Saturday’s fixtures, DC United, Charlotte FC, and Montreal had tough blows that reshaped the playoff picture. DC United fell 5-3 to the New York Red Bulls in a high scoring affair that featured Christian Benteke delivering a first half hat trick. The defeat stung for Wayne Rooney and his squad, who are pressing hard for a late surge but must rebound quickly to keep pace with the pack.
Charlotte FC, who sit just a single point ahead of Inter Miami in the standings, were taken apart 3-0 by FC Cincinnati. The host benefited from a balanced attack with Alvaro Barreal, Aaron Boupendza, and Luciano Acosta all chipping in with goals, leaving Charlotte with a heavy defeat and a bleak outlook at a critical juncture of the season. The result tightened the bottom of the playoff chase and gave Inter Miami a clearer path to capitalize on its upcoming games.
Montreal also faced adversity on the road, suffering a 4-1 loss to Atalanta United. The defeat was compounded by a late red card shown to Joel Waterman, a setback that underscored the rough patch the club is navigating during a demanding stretch of matches.
Despite these results, Inter Miami remains in contention with two fewer games played than ninth-placed DC United. Manager Gerardo Martino has watched his side close the gap and believes there is still a viable route to the postseason if the team maintains its current form and capitalizes on upcoming opportunities. The team has shown resilience in recent fixtures and continues to push for a late-season push that could propel them into the playoffs on merit.
Messi was absent again this weekend as Inter Miami hosted Orlando City, a match that followed their impressive 4-0 victory at home against Toronto. The absence did not derail the contest as the Herons split the points in a 1-1 draw during the Clásico Florida, a result that reflected both the depth of the squad and the evolving dynamics of the league as teams jostle for position. The coaching staff emphasized that the squad remains focused on the path ahead, with every fixture carrying significant weight in the tight playoff race. The storyline around Messi continues to influence conversations about Inter Miami, but the broader challenge remains a team effort to secure a playoff berth through consistent performances and strategic adjustments on the field.
Cited coverage confirms the weekend’s developments, highlighting how the results elsewhere in the league intersect with Inter Miami’s mission to reach the postseason. The standings picture is fluid, and the upcoming fixtures will be pivotal for both Miami and the others in the chase as they navigate a schedule that rewards momentum and punishes mistakes. The league continues to offer drama, with each match shaping the playoff map and testing the squad’s depth and resolve as the countdown to playoff soccer begins in earnest. Source: Goal