Luis Suarez

Legendary FC Barcelona left-back and now Inter Miami star, Jordi Alba, took no time in criticizing Major League Soccer’s playoff format after Inter Miami’s devastating loss in the first round of the 2024 MLS playoffs.

Jordi Alba critizes MLS format after first-round exit with inter Miami

The 35-year-old Spaniard has placed himself under the MLS limelight after quickly choosing to criticize MLS’ playoff format following The Herons’ huge upset-loss against Atlanta United through a three-game series.

Lionel Messi will play a three game series for the first time in his career.

Inter Miami suffered a last-minute loss in the MLS playoffs against Atlanta United in the second game of the three game series of the East Conference quarterfinals on Saturday, with an electric Mercedes-Benz Stadium putting a stop to Lionel Messi’s incredible streak with The Herons.

Watch: Brad Guzan mistake vs. Inter Miami

Lionel Messi’s MLS playoff debut was a success, with the Argentine star delivering on and off the pitch. This time, he took his stardom to the world of TikTok.

Inter Miami wins first-ever MLS playoff match; cruises past Atlanta United

Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 2-1 to win their first-ever MLS playoff match in Fort Lauderdale's Chase Stadium on Friday.

The former FC Barcelona duo comprised of Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba delivered the pair of goals that put Miami closer to the next round. Messi also provided an assist.

After clinching MLS playoff berths with regular-season-ending wins on Saturday, CF Montreal and Atlanta United will square off in the Eastern Conference's wild-card match on Tuesday.

Inter Miami's dominant regular season could conclude with the league points record when they host the New England Revolution on Saturday evening in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Miami (21-8-4, 71 points) already clinched the Supporters' Shield and will carry home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs. A victory on Saturday would give the Herons the most single-season points in MLS history, breaking the mark of 73 set by the Revolution during the 2021 season.

Inter Miami points record

Lionel Messi returned from his injury layoff to score his 13th and 14th MLS goals and contribute his 14th assist, and Inter Miami overcame an early deficit to earn a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

Luis Suarez added his team-leading 17th goal in second-half stoppage time to keep him two behind D.C.'s Christian Benteke for MLS Golden Boot and maintain Miami's lead in the Supporters' Shield race.

Lionel Messi is back ladies and gentlemen. At least, that’s the report from Inter Miami and head coach Tata Martino.

The Herons head coach announced that Messi is available for selection as Inter Miami host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

"Yes, he's fine now," Martino said. "Yesterday he returned to training, he's under consideration for (Saturday). We'll define our strategy for him after today's session, but he's available."

The club also posted that he’ll be back for the Union showdown.

Lionel Messi return from injury

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez announced his international retirement on Monday, ending a 17-year career with his national team as their top scorer with 69 goals.

The 37-year-old, who has 142 caps for his country, made his international debut in 2007 and was key in the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and won the Copa America a year later.

"Friday will be my last match with my country's national team," an emotional Suarez told a press conference.

The biggest star in MLS will not participate in the league's All-Star Game, with Inter Miami's Lionel Messi bowing out of Wednesday's contest at Columbus, Ohio, with an ankle injury.

Also ruled out of Wednesday's contest is Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez, who is dealing with knee discomfort.

Why is Messi not playing in All-Star Game?

Inter Miami have confirmed that Leo Messi and Luis Suárez will miss the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday.