Will Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi pull it off?

We’re talking about reaching the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, a feat that’s looking more possible by the day (though by no means is guaranteed) as the GOAT has taken North America by storm since his mid-July debut.

Whether you’re an MLS expert or experiencing MLS for the first time (welcome!), let’s break down perhaps the question shaping the stretch run.

What are the playoffs? How do they work?

While most professional soccer leagues crown their champion via the overall table/standings, MLS utilizes a postseason tournament called the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

The top nine teams in each conference – Eastern and Western – qualify for the playoffs. Seeds get locked in after Decision Day, aka the last regular-season matchday on Oct. 21.

Once the bracket is set, teams compete to make MLS Cup presented by Audi on Dec. 9 at a to-be-determined stadium (highest remaining seed hosts).

What do Miami & Messi need to do?

IMCF must climb from 13th place to ninth place (or higher) in the Eastern Conference table, which would see them compete in the Wild Card round (held Oct. 25-26).

• Messi & Co. have four games remaining to make up a four-point gap, surpassing four teams along the way.

Helping Miami, they have one or two games in hand on most teams above them. That affords some room for error, but not much. Somewhere around 43 points is historically good enough for ninth place (a playoff spot in this year’s expanded field).

International breaks and the jampacked nature of the schedule have made it difficult for Miami, though. Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said Messi is day-to-day after missing the club's last few games, so depth will be tested.