Inter Miami secured their spot in the 2024 MLS playoffs after beating Cincinnati 2-0 on Saturday thanks to two goals from Luis Suarez.
Tata Martino’s team sits atop the Eastern Conference after 26 regular-season games and is guaranteed a playoff spot. In addition to attempting to win the Supporters’ Shield by finishing top of the standings, they are also looking to challenge the single-season points record of 73 set by the New England Revolution three years ago.
What makes this all the more impressive is that Lionel Messi has not played for the Herons since June 2, having been part of Argentina’s run to Copa America glory in June and July before missing Miami’s last three league games with a ligament injury.
Of course, Messi remains the star attraction even when he’s not playing, which became evident when NFL legend Tom Brady showed up to watch the game.
David Beckham, the former England and Manchester United star who is part-owner of the Miami franchise, posted a photo on Instagram in which he posed alongside Messi and Brady.
Beckham captioned the post with “THE GREATEST” along with two goat emojis, adding that “it couldn’t be better” than having Brady and Messi in attendance as his team secured a playoff spot.
Inter Miami will now hope to have Messi back to full fitness before the end of the regular season so that he is ready for the playoff battle.
