Messi Leads Inter Miami into MLS Playoffs: 2026 Road Ahead
Messi Leads Inter Miami into MLS Playoffs: 2026 Road Ahead
As the MLS playoffs approach, all eyes are on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, who are armed with the ambitions of defending their MLS Cup title. Having secured consecutive Golden Boots, a first in league history, Messi’s sights are set on adding further silverware to his illustrious career. This season’s journey begins with a challenging match against the Columbus Crew, a side that is more formidable than their seeding suggests.
Messi's Outstanding Season and Miami's Challenge Ahead
At the age of 39, Messi’s performance remains exceptional, closing the 2026 regular season with a remarkable tally of 26 goals and 17 assists. His total of 43 goal contributions not only highlights his status as the league's top player but also strengthens his claim for a potential third Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, having already clinched the honor in 2024 and 2025.
Finishing second in the Eastern Conference with 60 points, Inter Miami qualified comfortably for the postseason, though they trail significantly behind the record-setting Nashville SC, who racked up an impressive 77 points—surpassing Miami's previous record of 76 points set in 2024.
Despite their position, Inter Miami boasts one of the league's most potent attacking units, buoyed by the talents of Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Casemiro joining Messi on the pitch. However, their recent regular-season finale raised concerns, as they squandered a commanding 3-0 halftime lead, allowing Charlotte FC to equalize to a 3-3 draw.
First Round Matches Against Columbus Crew
The playoff campaign kicks off against the Columbus Crew, who enter the postseason as the seventh seed but are riding high on momentum after winning eight of their last nine matches. The showdown against Miami is a best-of-three series, beginning with Game 1 at Nu Stadium on Saturday, November 21, at 6 p.m. ET. Game 2 will shift to Columbus on Friday, November 27, at 8 p.m. ET, with a potential Game 3 back in Miami on December 2 if necessary.
The Crew have shown they can upset expectations, making this first matchup crucial for Miami, who will seek to leverage their home-field advantage in the opening and any deciding contests.
The Path to Potential Glory
Should they progress past Columbus, an intense Eastern Conference semifinal awaits, likely against the formidable Nashville SC, who are poised to face the winner of a Wild Card matchup involving Orlando City and FC Cincinnati. Nashville, the top seeds, present a significant challenge, making the road to the finals even more daunting for Miami.
The conference semifinals are set for December 5-6, followed by the conference finals on December 11-12, culminating in the highly anticipated MLS Cup on December 18. Miami’s quest for back-to-back titles is historic; no team has defended their MLS Cup since the LA Galaxy managed the feat in 2011 and 2012.
With the Golden Boot already to his name, another MVP award potentially on the horizon, and all the pressures and expectations resting on his shoulders, Messi’s final act this season remains the most significant: leading Inter Miami to yet another championship victory. The playoffs are here, and the journey starts against an electrifying Columbus crew that is at the top of their game.
