Inter Miami FC took the first step towards the MLS Cup semifinals on Friday night. The winner of the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the best team of the regular season in Major League Soccer, managed to defeat Atlanta United this time.
Coach Frank de Boer’s former club, Atlanta United, had managed to claim four points from Inter Miami during the regular MLS season, an indication of their strong approach against Miami.
These matches showcased Atlanta's resilience and Miami's struggle to gain momentum, which seemed to place Atlanta in a favorable position entering the playoffs. However, Inter Miami, led by coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, came prepared to overturn the narrative, using the opportunity in this first playoff match to send a message about their ambitions.
The early minutes of the match set an electrifying pace. Luis Suárez, who recently joined Miami to bolster their lineup, stunned fans with a new blond look and an aggressive approach. He wasted no time making his mark, opening the scoring early on with a clinical strike that showed why Miami had brought him in. Suárez’s goal not only energized Miami’s squad but also demonstrated his natural fit within a team composed of other veteran talents, including Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. Suárez’s seamless adaptation was evident as he worked fluidly with the midfield and forward line, frequently pushing Atlanta’s defenders onto the back foot.
While Suárez’s early goal raised Miami's hopes, Atlanta United was not about to let Miami take control without a fight. Saba Lobjanidze, a sharp presence in Atlanta's lineup, equalized the score just before halftime. Lobjanidze’s goal served as a wake-up call for Miami, reminding them that Atlanta was fully capable of countering their threats. The equalizer injected fresh momentum into Atlanta’s squad, and for a moment, it looked like Atlanta might be able to exploit Miami’s vulnerabilities.
As the teams re-emerged after halftime, Martino’s tactics became clearer. Understanding the importance of breaking Atlanta’s defensive rhythm, he instructed Messi and Alba to create opportunities through rapid, calculated passes. This approach paid off when Messi, who has been a transformative presence for Miami since his arrival, found himself in space and skillfully played a ball back to Alba. Seizing the moment, Alba launched a powerful strike from outside the box, restoring Miami’s lead with a shot that left Atlanta’s defense scrambling. This collaboration between Messi and Alba evoked memories of their years together at Barcelona, showcasing the chemistry that Miami had hoped to bring into the MLS.
Alba’s goal symbolized more than just a lead; it represented the fusion of experience, talent, and ambition that Miami is banking on to propel them through the playoffs. For coach Martino, this match was a vital test of his team’s adaptability and cohesiveness. Martino’s trust in his experienced players paid dividends, with Suárez, Messi, and Alba combining their skills and understanding to overcome Atlanta’s defense.
Despite this initial victory, Miami’s position in the playoffs remains precarious. The first round of the MLS Cup is decided by a best-of-three series, a format unique to this stage, where the first team to win two matches advances. This format introduces a new layer of pressure, as Miami will need to win one more match against Atlanta to secure their place in the Eastern Conference semifinals. A loss on Saturday would force a decisive third match, which could test Miami’s mental and physical stamina.
Should Miami advance, they will face additional challenges in the single-elimination rounds that follow, including the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Conference final, and, ultimately, the MLS Cup final. In these knockout rounds, any misstep can end their title dreams, meaning Miami will need to rely on every ounce of experience and strategic discipline.
This playoff run has put a spotlight on Miami’s ambitious lineup, and the combination of Messi, Alba, and Suárez has brought international attention to the team. Martino’s strategy, built around maximizing the strengths of these seasoned players, is evident in the way they control the tempo of the game and create opportunities under pressure. As they prepare for their next clash with Atlanta on Saturday, the spotlight remains on these star players. For Miami’s fans, this playoff journey is not only a pursuit of the MLS Cup but a chance to see their team make history.
If Miami advances past this first playoff stage, they will be one step closer to making a historic run for the MLS title.
