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.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Miami have dominated recent meetings with Nashville, going unbeaten in the last five MLS encounters between the sides.

Nashville have also failed to taste victory against the Herons in the league since May 2023, with Miami outscoring them 12–5 over that stretch.

Messi has been central to Miami's success this season, leading the team — and the entire league — with 29 goals ahead of Nashville's Sam Surridge (24, level with Denis Bouanga). 

Miami will take confidence from claiming their first victory after trailing at half-time away from home in MLS for the first time since June 2024 against Philadelphia Union (seven games without a win after trailing at half-time) last time out. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 54.4%

Draw – 23.4%

Nashville SC – 22.1%