Inter Miami are building serious momentum at the right moment of the season. Sitting second in the Eastern Conference with 49 points from 28 games, Kily Gonzalez's side are firmly in contention for a top playoff seed, with Nashville SC the only team ahead of them on 63 points and Chicago Fire FC breathing down their necks in third on 48.

The clearest sign of that momentum came in their most recent home outing, a commanding 4-0 win over DC United at Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were both on the scoresheet, with the Argentine adding two second-half goals to underline his importance to the club's postseason ambitions. That result lifted Miami's recent record to two wins, two draws and one defeat across their last five matches, with ten goals scored and only four conceded.

The timing of Messi's return to full club focus is significant. After an emotional farewell to international football with Argentina at the Estadio Monumental, the 39-year-old reported back to training and slotted straight back into the starting lineup with obvious effect. Inter Miami head coach Gonzalez was clear about what that means, stating that Messi is now entirely theirs to deploy without the interruption of international duty.

Next up is a home fixture against New York City FC, who arrive at Nu Stadium in poor form and sitting tenth in the East. For Miami, it is another opportunity to consolidate their position and keep the pressure on Nashville SC at the top.