Inter Miami secure postseason and target second place

Inter Miami have qualified for the MLS playoffs and will now look to tighten their grip on second place when they face Atlanta United on Saturday.

The Herons booked their postseason spot after defeating New York City FC 2-0 on Wednesday, courtesy of goals from German Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul, with the latter assisted by Lionel Messi.

Miami are second in the Eastern Conference after back-to-back wins in the league, but remain 14 points behind leaders Nashville SC, who have all-but-secured the Supporters’ Shield.

Gonzalez: keep improving, fix mistakes

Nevertheless, Gonzalez has urged his Miami side to keep fixing their mistakes ahead of the Atlanta United clash.

"Well, [qualifying for the playoffs] was one of the club's initial goals for the season, and we're there, but we still need to keep improving as a team," said Gonzalez.

"When you have players who are willing to buy into the vision you're trying to implement, everything becomes easier. We recognise the mistakes we've been making, or are still making, and we address them during training. And really, that willingness makes it much easier to convey clear concepts."

Gonzalez also spoke about star player Messi, who has had a busy and emotional year both on and off the pitch.

"This is a club that looks after him and protects him," Gonzalez said about Messi. "His teammates show him constant affection. They go all out for him and give everything they have. He pushes us to be better every single day and challenges us."

Atlanta United push for the playoffs

Atlanta, meanwhile, returned to winning ways in MLS with a 3-0 victory over CF Montreal during the week. The Five Stripes are still 14th in the East, but now just six points off the play-off spots with five regular-season games to go.

Players to watch

Atlanta United – Miguel Almiron

Miguel Almiron has scored in back-to-back matches, including netting the first goal in Wednesday's win at Montreal. The goal was Almiron's seventh match-winner for Atlanta in all competitions, the third-most in club history (Josef Martinez - 31, Thiago Almada - eight).

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi had an assist in Miami's win over NYCFC, his 11th consecutive regular-season match with a goal contribution. The only longer single-season streaks in MLS history are Martinez's 15 straight in 2019 and Sebastian Giovinco's 12 straight in 2018.

Match prediction

After winning only two of their previous 12 matches in all competitions (D5 L5), keeping just one clean sheet, Miami have recorded back-to-back shutout wins, both at home. Miami have not won an away match in nearly three months, since a 1-0 triumph at Montreal on July 25.

Atlanta have scored multiple goals in eight of their last 12 regular-season matches, including equalling a season-high win at Montreal, for a total of 19 goals in those games. The Five Stripes have recorded four wins over Miami in all competitions since Messi made his debut for the club in July 2023, the most wins by any MLS team over Miami in all competitions since Messi joined the Herons.

Opta win probability: Atlanta United – 28.5%, Draw – 24.4%, Inter Miami – 47.1%.