Stopping Messi & Co: These Tactical Flaws Could Shatter Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Dreams

As MLS heads into Decision Day, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are on the brink of history.

Tata Martinos team has claimed the Supporter’s Shield and will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

If Inter Miami win their final game of the year against New England Revolution, they would break the single-season points record, which is coincidentally held by the Revolution.

The much-acclaimed roster rebuild, which includes Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, has Miami fans believing history and an MLS title is within their grasp.

While the season hasnt been without its challenges, including key departures for Copa América and Messis injury, the season as a whole has shaped up well for Miami.

Now, the question is whether the leagues top seed can finish the job and claim the Cup.

That’s the topic of this Inter Miami tactical analysis.

We’ll examine Inter Miami’s season in numbers and produce a scout report to identify two vulnerabilities that could end their quest to win the MLS Cup.

Inter Miami Stats For 2024 MLS Season

For those unfamiliar with MLS terminology, the Supporters Shield goes to the regular season champion.

Its a way to recognise the work of the leading point-getter and award a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Ultimately, its the MLS Cup winner, the club that wins the playoffs, that is the league champion.

Inter Miami has achieved the first objective by claiming the Supporter Shield, but as the playoffs near, theres work to do.

Looking through Miamis MLS season data, we can gauge whether the regular-season champions are in a prime position to win the MLS Cup.

MLS 2024 Points Vs Expected Points (xPoints)

Starting with points, both earned and expected, we find Miami in a place of their own.

That comes strictly from the points accumulated over the course of the season.

They sit at 71 with one match to eclipse New England’s 2021 mark of 73.

Expected points tell another story.

At 43.3 xPoints, they’re 10th from the bottom, which puts them slightly below the average MLS club in 2024.

MLS 2024 Goals Vs Expected Goals (xG)

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