Inter Miami defender Noah Allen has claimed the season will have been a failure if his side fails to win the MLS Cup, as they prepare for the first of their three-game playoff showdown with Nashville SC.
The Herons will take on the Coyotes for the second time in a matter of days, having thumped them 5-2 on Decision Day.
Miami are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 MLS outings (W6 D2 L2), scoring 28 goals in that period.
With Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets calling time on their respective careers at the end of their playoff campaign, Javier Mascherano’s side will be looking to give the Spanish veterans a memorable send-off.
"Yeah [it's a failure for if Inter Miami don't win MLS Cup]. We have high expectations for ourselves," Allen said.
"I feel like we have the highest standard in ourselves and we want to win every trophy possible. Yeah, we want to win.
"I feel like we have a good relationship between each other and I feel like we play good football with the ball. We keep a lot of possession and I just feel like we have to have that confidence that we are the best team in the league."
Nashville, however, have lost seven of their last 10 MLS games, picking up just seven points from a possible 30.
While B.J. Callaghan's side scooped the US Open Cup during that time, they have shipped 19 goals, having conceded just 26 in the previous 24 games.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Inter Miami – Lionel Messi
At 38 years old, Messi is still making the game look easy, having registered 29 goals and 19 assists, becoming the first player in MLS history to record over 18 goals and 18 assists in a single season.
In 28 league appearances, the Argentinian icon has also tallied 78 chances created, as well as recording a minutes-per-goal rate of 83.45.
Nashville SC – Hany Mukhtar
Mukhtar has enjoyed a stellar season for Nashville, plundering 16 goals and 12 assists, contributing to 28 of his side's total of 58 this term.
The 30-year-old forward has created 91 chances in the league this term – the most of any Nashville player, and the sixth-most in MLS.
vuaabdipu
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This is it Inter Miami needs to win the game against Nashville The MLS Cup is what matters This is the game where Messi should shine the most
vapbcnor
0
in short man united team fans is a failure
Ămär Khåñ
0
what is there to win, do they also have a cup or it's just a kind gala. I don't understand Thier format
MLS Cup is left bro
18594552(deleted)
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My naija people D.M for sure correct score O81gg3O46gg9625 q
18594552(deleted)
0
My naija people D.M for sure correct score O81gg3O46gg9625 h
sombceikmy
1
In short, Messi is a failure 😂
crazy how you can't read a single line. No wonder manu is no where near any big team and lost somewhere in 15 years
Luubcdmnsu
1
ronaldo is the big failure in camals country
Luubcdmnsu
0
In short, Messi is a failure 😂
ronaldo is the big failure in saudi
vocdemnrsy
0
what is there to win, do they also have a cup or it's just a kind gala. I don't understand Thier format
iceyez
2
In short, Messi is a failure 😂