Inter Miami have secured their place in the 2026 MLS playoffs, and the manner of their recent results suggests a club building genuine momentum at the right time of year. Back-to-back wins over New York City FC and Atlanta United, the latter a 3-1 victory in which Lionel Messi scored twice, have reinforced their standing as one of the Eastern Conference's most dangerous sides. Sitting second in the East on 55 points from 30 games, they trail only Nashville SC, who lead on 67 points.

Messi remains the central figure in everything Miami do. His brace in Atlanta extended his lead at the top of the MLS Golden Boot standings and underlined why, at 39, he continues to define the club's ambitions. Coach Kily Gonzalez has managed his star carefully, granting Messi permission to travel to Oviedo this week to collect the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, a recognition that spans his footballing achievements and humanitarian work, before rejoining the squad ahead of their next fixture.

That next test arrives Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium, where Miami face Red Bull New York. With the playoff seeding race still alive, every point carries weight. The squad appears fit and settled, with no confirmed injuries or suspensions flagged by the club. If Messi returns from Spain refreshed, Inter Miami head into the postseason with confidence and form on their side.