Lionel Messi — searching for second MVP — propels Inter Miami to playoffs

• Messi, who won MVP last season, could also be the first player in Major League Soccer history to win two straight MVP honors.

Catch up quick: Inter won the Leagues Cup — a North American club tournament — in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024 as the best regular-season team in MLS.

• As the No. 1 seed in last year's playoffs, Inter was upset by No. 9 seed Atlanta United in the opening round of the playoffs.
• This year, the team beefed up its roster by adding Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

Stunning stat: With five goals in his past three matches, Messi leads MLS with 24 goals scored.

• His two goals in Wednesday's blowout win against New York City FC give him a league-leading eight multi-goal games this season, tied for a single-season MLS record.

What's next: The playoffs begin Oct. 22 with Wild Card matches.

• Inter has five matches left in the regular season, three at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
• The next match is Saturday, away against Toronto FC.

Next year, Inter will play at Miami Freedom Park, its new stadium at the former Melreese Golf Course.