Who are Inter Miami playing in the MLS Cup Playoffs?

At the start of the 2025 season, Inter Miami were on the hunt for five different trophies. Now, only one remains.

The Herons head into the MLS Cup Playoffs knowing that these are the final few games before Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retire. It is a golden chance for Miami to add the championship that eluded them during the first two seasons of Lionel Messi, and to truly establish themselves as one of the league’s powerhouse clubs.

Inter Miami have long since confirmed their spot in the playoffs, with home advantage for the first round of fixtures also secured. But heading into Saturday’s Decision Day matchup with Nashville SC, Javier Mascherano’s team still don’t know who they will face in the postseason.

As it stands, third-placed Inter Miami will take on Nashville for the best-of-three round one series. However that could change if Miami are able to leapfrog FC Cincinnati on the final day, potentially setting up a round one meeting with Florida rivals Orlando City.

Either way, with Messi in MVP form the Herons will be confident against any team in the league. The Inter Miami captain is the favorite to clinch a second successive Most Valuable Player award this season, becoming only the second player in league history to do so.

Speaking ahead of the Decision Day game, Herons head coach Javier Mascherano was firmly in favor of a second MVP award for Messi.

“There is no doubt, it is indisputable,” Mascherano said. “Even though he has played far fewer games than others, the impact and influence he has on our team… to measure Leo solely by his stats, which we could do, and he is the best, but it goes beyond his numbers. It’s his importance on the field and the enjoyment he gives everyone who has a chance to see him.”