As teams vie for better playoff standings on Decision Day, Inter Miami is set to chase a historic achievement.
The squad, captained by Lionel Messi, has a chance to claim the league’s highest points record this Saturday against the New England Revolution.
The Revolution established the record in 2021 with a total of 73 points, while Miami is currently close behind with 71 points.
Having already secured the top position in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield, Miami’s prospects remain bright.
Messi, who is a leading candidate for the MLS Most Valuable Player award this season, has recorded an impressive 17 goals and 15 assists, though he has played only 18 games due to an ankle injury and obligations with Argentina’s national team.
It is uncertain whether Messi will start against New England, as the match holds no playoff stakes and he just returned from international duty.
Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino acknowledged the shift over the season, remarking, “On January 20, talking about aiming for the points record seemed irrational; now it’s attainable, and we want to pursue it.”
However, he emphasized the need to manage player minutes carefully, particularly with critical matches approaching.
D.C. United forward Christian Benteke is on the brink of securing the 2024 MLS Golden Boot, leading the league with 23 goals.
Benteke’s tally surpasses that of 2023 winner Denis Bouanga from LAFC and Cucho Hernández from the Crew, who each have 19 goals.
Heading into Decision Day, two playoff spots remain open in the Eastern Conference, with D.C. United and Montreal currently in eighth and ninth place but not yet qualified.
Both Philadelphia and Atlanta remain in contention for a berth.
Benteke commented on D.C. United’s approach, stating that they wouldn’t be focusing on the scoreboard during their final game against Charlotte, noting that all Eastern Conference matches will be played at the same time.
“We’ve had a mix of highs and lows this season. Now, we’re close to the finish line,” Benteke said.
“It’s thrilling because this is our opportunity; we’ve worked incredibly hard and faced numerous challenges.”
In each conference, the eighth and ninth seeds will clash for the last playoff position and a chance to face the top seed—Inter Miami in the East and either LA Galaxy or LAFC in the West.
Even though all nine playoff spots in the West have been filled, the Galaxy and LAFC are still competing for the top seed.
The Galaxy can secure the top position with a win or draw against Houston on Saturday, aiming for a total of 67 points, which matches their total from 2011 when they won the MLS title.
Gallaxy coach Greg Vanney expressed satisfaction with the competitive nature. “It’s great that we have a significant game right now,” he stated.
“I prefer playing a match that carries weight rather than one lacking importance before entering the playoff stage. It ensures we maintain the right intensity and focus within the group.”
The top four teams in each conference will earn home-field advantage during the first round of playoffs.
Meanwhile, in the West, Portland and Vancouver, traditional rivals in the Cascadia Cup, currently hold the wild card spots.
However, the playoff race is tight, as the bottom five contenders are separated by just six points.
The Whitecaps are looking to elevate their status against Real Salt Lake this weekend, although they have gone winless in their last six matches.
Striker Brian White acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “We have not had the best results lately.
It would be fantastic to enter the playoffs with more positive energy, perhaps with a win, and then see how far we can go from that point.”