Inter Miami boss Mascherano targets home advantage in playoffs

Javier Mascherano is determined to secure a playoff berth for Inter Miami when they face New York City FC on Wednesday.

Following their disappointing 3-0 loss to Charlotte FC earlier in the month, the Herons have bounced back with victories against the Seattle Sounders and DC United.

Miami are now fifth in the Eastern Conference, eight points behind leaders the Philadelphia Union, but they have three games in hand due to their participation in the Club World Cup and Leagues Cup.

Facing NYCFC will not be an easy task for Miami, with Pascal Jansen’s side one spot above them in the East having won six of their last seven MLS games.

Although Mascherano revealed that their initial goal is to book their spot in the playoffs, the coach also wants his side to have home advantage in the post-season.

“It’s a very important win because, by the end of this week, we earned the six points we needed here at home,” said Mascherano.

“We’ve moved up in the standings, and we still have some games in hand. If we can get good results, it will allow us to climb even higher and finish near the top of the table.

“We all know that the first objective is to secure a playoff spot, which we’re just one win away from, and then try to finish as high as possible to have the advantage of playing at home.”

Lionel Messi led the way for Miami in their back-to-back wins, scoring three goals and providing two assists across the two games.

Although Messi produced two brilliant displays once again, Mascherano was not surprised by the forward’s performances.

“It was another normal game for him, which is totally abnormal for any football player,” Mascherano added.

“The ability to not only convert [chances], but to also make the team play, to find situations, to carry the team on his shoulders when we needed it most.

“It is the advantage of having him, and we were able to take advantage of it [in this match].”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York City FC – Alonso Martinez

Martinez has scored eight goals in his previous seven regular-season matches for NYCFC after netting a brace against Charlotte last time out, with both goals coming from the penalty spot.

Only Denis Bouanga (nine) has scored more goals than Martinez since that run began in late July.

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi has scored 22 goals in 22 MLS games this season, the joint-most alongside Bouanga, while also providing 13 assists.

He was involved in all three goals in Miami’s win over DC. It marked the 11th time Messi has contributed to three or more goals in an MLS match since the start of the 2024 season, with no other player doing so more than six times.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Each of the last four meetings between NYCFC and the Herons have ended all square, including a 2-2 result in Miami on February 22.

Miami’s only-ever win in 12 all-time meetings with NYCFC was a 3-2 victory in August 2022 (drawn four, lost seven).

NYCFC have won three straight matches for the first time this season following a 2-0 victory over Charlotte. Their only winning streak of more than three matches in all competitions since the start of the 2023 season was a five-game run in May 2024.

Miami, meanwhile, have won only three of their last 12 away matches in all competitions (drawn three, lost six), including losing two in a row away from home. Messi last lost three straight away matches in which he appeared in March-April 2017 with Barcelona.

In their last six league matches, NYCFC have won five and lost one. Miami have won three, drawn one and lost two in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York City FC – 37.7%

Draw – 26.4%

Inter Miami – 35.9%