Lionel Messi Sets His Priorities Straight; Aims to Take Inter Miami to MLS Playoffs With 'Points Record' as Secondary

Lionel Messi has shared his views on the chance of breaking the Major League Soccer (MLS) points record this season. Inter Miami still has two games left in the Eastern Conference where they will have the opportunity to break the record for the most points ever recorded in an MLS campaign.

Messi told Apple TV that the points record is a secondary objective for Inter Miami as they are more focused on the upcoming playoff stage. “The points record is secondary, the main thing is what is coming up with the playoffs,” he said, as per multiple outlets.

Inter Miami will face Toronto FC on October 6 before taking on New England in their final group games on October 20. The two matches left enough room for the Herons to break the previous points record held by New England in 2021. Almost three years ago, New England Revolution racked up 73 points in their MLS campaign. If Inter Miami win both their remaining matches, they will finish at the top with one point more than the all-time tally.

Lionel Messi said that the elimination games are much more important as anything can happen in the knockout phase. Speaking further, Messi discussed how he and his team would be approaching the remaining portion of the campaign. “First, we have a best-of-three series, but then it’s elimination games and anything can happen. We have a big advantage now, being able to play at home. We are very strong at home, but still have to prove we can win,” the Argentine legend added.

Lionel Messi recently guided Inter Miami to their first Supporters’ Shield after beating Columbus Crew. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner stole the show as he scored a brace to seal a 3-2 victory for the Herons.

Inter Miami will now have home-field advantage for the playoffs. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino has the option to rest some of their star players with the knockouts approaching soon. They could also focus on continuing building the momentum by going all out to win their remaining two fixtures in the Eastern Conference. As for the 2024 MLS playoff stage, the Round One Best-of-3 Series will begin on October 25 and last until November 10. The MLS Cup will finally be presented to the winning side on December 7.