Inter Miami Faces Make-or-Break Moment in Saturday's MLS Cup Playoff Showdown
As the final whistle approaches on Saturday evening at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami could witness the conclusion of a significant chapter—though they desperately hope to avoid it.
Following their elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs in the opening round by Atlanta United last year, the Herons confront an identical situation, now battling in a crucial Game 3 against lower-ranked Nashville SC.
A Miami defeat would force Spanish icons Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets into retirement and conclude Inter Miami's FC Barcelona chapter, which commenced in summer 2023 with Lionel Messi's arrival.
Luis Suárez will be unable to join his former Barcelona and current Miami colleagues on the field after receiving a suspension in Game 2.
"I hope this serves as additional motivation to help Busquets conclude his career in the finest manner possible," head coach Javier Mascherano stated. "To savor his final moments in professional soccer, ideally extending until December, and in the most fitting way."
Considering these elements and the approaching conclusion of the FC Barcelona quartet whenever Miami's campaign ends, Saturday evening's encounter with Nashville represents the most significant match in franchise history.
Mas and Beckham's Vision Under Threat?
Renowned for their La Liga careers, the quartet arrived in Miami seeking not only a final opportunity to compete together, but also to expand their extensive trophy collections.
For owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham, these stars transformed Miami into the premier destination they had imagined, establishing the vibrant pink jersey as a recognizable symbol globally.
Beyond the field, the venture has achieved remarkable success. Messi and his colleagues' merchandise ranks among MLS's top sellers, and the squad has contributed to breaking attendance records across all 29 other MLS clubs, plus internationally through the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Regarding on-field performance, however, they've missed their primary objectives given the available talent.
They secured the 2023 Leagues Cup and established an MLS regular-season points record to claim the 2024 Supporters' Shield, yet have missed other championships, including the coveted MLS Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Despite coming close on multiple occasions, they've stumbled when it mattered most—such as losing the 2023 U.S. Open Cup final and 2025 Leagues Cup final. In continental play, they were eliminated in the semifinals.
This campaign presented tremendous opportunities to reach the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and Club World Cup. Nevertheless, they came up short, despite investing an MLS-record $49 million in salaries, based on recently published MLSPA salary data.
From a commercial standpoint, Miami has succeeded, but without progressing past Saturday, much less capturing MLS Cup, the on-field achievements of the FC Barcelona era will likely be remembered as unfulfilled potential.
"You cannot assemble The Avengers and fail to win the MLS Cup," former two-time MLS Golden Boot champion turned analyst Bradley Wright-Phillips commented on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. "I recognize it's extremely challenging to achieve—and their tenure here will still feature accomplishments—but regarding not securing a championship, that's how we'll evaluate it."
A Season Without Silverware for Messi?
While Busquets and Alba might depart next season, Messi has pledged his future to the club, inking a deal through 2028. This commitment will enable him to spearhead the team's move to their new venue, Miami Freedom Park, and pursue additional opportunities for Concacaf Champions Cup glory and other honors.
Without claiming MLS Cup in 2025, the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient would conclude a campaign without team silverware for only the second occasion in his 22-year professional journey.
Across 14 seasons, Messi has captured two or more team trophies, but since bringing his talents to the United States in 2023, he has earned just three, including the Leagues Cup and Supporters' Shield with Miami, plus the 2024 Copa América with Argentina, despite missing that final.
Messi's sole season without any team hardware with club or country occurred in 2019-20, when Barcelona disappointed, and the 2020 Copa América was delayed due to COVID-19.
The Argentine will have future opportunities with Miami and appears positioned to compete in the 2026 World Cup, but missing out on team silverware would represent a rare blemish on his otherwise pristine record.
Should the Herons prevail on Saturday, they would require just three additional victories to secure MLS Cup, facing either Columbus Crew or FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinal, with aspirations of hoisting MLS Cup on December 6.
"The Inter Miami brand possesses tremendous strength, not just domestically but internationally," Messi remarked in a recent discussion. "I believe the organization underwent massive transformation and expanded in all areas, both competitively and structurally, and I think it has significant room for continued growth and enhancement across every aspect."