There's only so much Lionel Messi can do, especially when he's not on the pitch.
GOAT-fever has quietened down in Miami after an utterly remarkable start, with the Argentine inspiring David Beckham's once-flagging franchise to Leagues Cup glory during the MLS' mid-season break.
However, despite Messi's arrival and initial majesty, Inter Miami always had their work cut out in regards to making the MLS Cup playoffs. A disastrous first half to the 2023 campaign left Messi and company with a mountain to climb during the final stretch, and the genius' recent absence has seen Miami struggle.
Back-to-back draws mean the Herons are trudging towards the finish line, and their chances of clinching one of the final playoff spots are dwindling. It's also not yet clear when Messi will be back in action as he's missed Miami's last six games, including their US Open Cup final defeat, due to a combination of factors.
Supercomputer predicts Inter Miami’s chances of reaching MLS playoffs
MLS 2023 Eastern Conference standings
*projections provided by Playoffstatus.com.
With each team only having a handful of games left in their 34-game regular seasons, six of the nine playoff spots in the Eastern Conference have already been determined. FC Cincinnati, Orlando City, New England Revolution, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, and Atlanta United have extended their seasons, while Nashville SC are bound to be the seventh.
Thus, there are two spots up for grabs with seven teams still technically in contention. Toronto FC are the only side in the East to be eliminated, although the New York Red Bulls have just a 1% chance of making the post-season.
Messi's Inter Miami are one of five teams in the hunt, although the supercomputer believes they've got just an outside chance of making the playoffs (6%). Their woeful start to the season, in which they picked up 18 points from 22 games, has left with with too much to do, especially with Messi currently out injured.
The computer is currently backing the incumbents of the eight and ninth spots, New York City and Montreal, to enter the post-season, although the Chicago Fire, Charlotte FC and D.C. United remain firmly in contention. Charlotte's back-to-back games with Inter Miami to round off the campaign will be key to their playoff hopes if they're still alive and kicking.
How many teams make the MLS Cup playoffs?
18 teams will compete in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs, with nine progressing from each conference.
The top seven in each conference qualify automatically for the post-season, while seeds eight and nine qualify for the Wild Card matches. These are single-game elimination matches hosted by the higher seed in each conference with the winner advancing to the Round One Best-of-3 series.
With the top seven in the East already secure, the playoff hopefuls, including Inter Miami, are vying for the two Wild Card spots.
Inter Miami's remaining MLS fixtures
This article was originally published on 90min as Supercomputer predicts Inter Miami’s chances of reaching MLS playoffs.
