With the prized Supporters’ Shield now stowed away, Inter Miami sets its sights on achieving the extraordinary milestone of securing the single-season points record in the annals of Major League Soccer history.
The next challenge looms ahead as they journey to face Toronto FC this coming Saturday, determined to showcase their relentless pursuit of excellence and solidify their dominance in the league.
“We have a nice opportunity to go down in history”
With two regular-season games left, the Herons (20-4-8, 68 points) are two wins away from smashing the league record, but Lionel Messi sees the broader goal.
In 2021, the New England Revolution broke the record with 73 points. On October 19, both teams’ regular seasons will come to an end when they play Inter Miami.
Talking about the points record, Messi said “We have a nice opportunity to go down in history … and now we think about what is coming, We have a great advantage in that we play (the final game) at home, which is what we were looking for. I think we are very, very strong at home.”
Miami’s post-season spot is secure
Messi’s goal tally against the Crew increased to five goals in five games soon before halftime, following his recovery from the right ankle injury he sustained at the Copa America final in July. With 32 goal contributions this season (17 goals, 15 assists), the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is the best player in the world and is only one goal behind Portland’s Evander for the top spot in the MLS.
Miami’s postseason berth is assured, while Toronto FC (11-18-4, 37 points) lost all four of its games (0-3-1) and suffered a heartbreaking 4-1 setback to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday.
Toronto is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference going into its last regular-season match on Saturday thanks to a tiebreaker over the Philadelphia Union (9-13-10, 37 points) and D.C. United (9-13-10, 37 points).
Toronto coach John Herdman said “We didn’t look like a team ready for the playoffs, mentally, emotionally, We’ve got to turn that around because for whatever reason, we could win this weekend and we’re in.”
On Wednesday, Prince Owusu scored in the 66th minute to bring his season goal tally to a club-high nine.
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