Inter Miami will step onto the field this Saturday with a clear target in sight: lock in a spot in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. Earlier in the week, Javier Mascherano’s side put on a strong performance at home, beating the Seattle Sounders 3-1. Now they return to Chase Stadium to take on DC United. And once again, Lionel Messi is at the center of everything. The captain scored and assisted in that victory, hitting an astonishing mark of 20 goals in 21 regular season matches. That run doesn’t just keep Miami near the top of the standings, it also places Messi in a very short list, only five players in MLS history have managed consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.
Messi as the measuring stick and the playoff math
Right now, Miami sits on 49 points and holds sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The club still has games in hand compared to rivals above them, which adds even more optimism. The equation is straightforward. A win over DC and a New York Red Bulls loss or draw in Montreal means qualification. Even a draw could be enough, provided the Red Bulls are defeated. That leaves Miami in a very favorable position to settle things before the final stretch of the season.
The real strength of this team lies in its attack. Out of 57 goals scored so far, 45 have come from forwards and attacking midfielders. Messi leads with 20, while Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia follow with seven each. Luis Suárez, stuck on six, remains suspended. His absence might hurt, but Jordi Alba has been filling the gap with his experience, and youngsters like Ian Fray are stepping up. That was evident against Seattle, when Fray found the net and showed composure beyond his age.
Still, Mascherano knows defense is the weak spot. The team has leaked seven goals in the last three games across all competitions. In decisive fixtures like Saturday’s, one lapse could change everything. Even with their struggles, DC carries threats. Christian Benteke remains a physical presence up front, while Gabriel Pirani brings creativity and pace. Together they’ve been involved in 14 goals, making them the main hope for a side that’s under pressure but eager to spoil the party.
DC United’s struggles and the chance to reset
The visitors are stuck near the bottom, second-to-last in the conference, with only 25 points. Their record tells the story: five wins, 15 defeats, 10 draws. Defense has been their biggest issue all season. To complicate matters, Matti Peltola is suspended after yellow card accumulation and Lukas MacNaughton is also out following a red card in their last outing. That leaves them even more vulnerable heading into a clash with the most dangerous attack in the East.
Historically, this matchup has been tight. Out of ten meetings, both teams have won three, with four draws. The most recent one ended 1-1 at Audi Field back in late August. But the situation today feels very different. Miami comes in with momentum, Messi in top form and Alba playing a crucial role, while DC is simply trying to cross the finish line with some dignity intact.