Inter Miami ensured qualification for the 2024 MLS playoffs after defeating Cincinnati 2-0 on Saturday thanks to two goals from Luis Suarez.
Tata Martino's team sit top of the Eastern Conference through 26 games of the regular season and are guaranteed a place in the postseason competition. Along with attempting to win the Supporters' Shield by finishing top of the standings, they are also seeking to challenge the single-season points record of 73 set by 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 glory at the Copa America in June and July before sitting out Miami's past three league games due to a ligament injury.
Of course, Messi remains the star attraction even when not playing — something that was made clear when NFL legend Tom Brady turned up to watch the game.
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David Beckham, the former England and Manchester United star who co-owns the Miami franchise, posted a photo to Instagram in which he is posing alongside Messi and Brady.
Beckham captioned the post with "THE GREATEST" along with two goat emojis, adding that it "doesn't get any better" than having Brady and Messi in attendance as his team secured a playoff place.
Inter Miami will now be hoping to get Messi back to full match fitness before the end of the regular season so that he is primed and ready for their playoff battle.
