The Draw That Complicates Everything

The 1-1 result against Toronto FC made it clear that Inter Miami’s path to the Supporters’ Shield no longer depends solely on their own results. Javier Mascherano’s side, led on the pitch by Lionel Messi, dropped two vital points in Canada that could prove decisive by the end of October.

The Supporters’ Shield is the trophy awarded by MLS to the team with the most points in the regular season. Inter Miami lifted it last year and hoped to repeat the feat, but the outlook is now far more complicated.

Inter Miami No Longer in Control

With 56 points, the team led by Messi and Mascherano sits seven behind leaders Philadelphia Union, who have 63. Even though Miami still has two games in hand, winning their remaining four fixtures — against Chicago, New England, Atlanta United and Nashville — would not guarantee the title.

The scenario is clear: Miami must win every remaining match and hope Philadelphia slips up at least once in their games against New York City or Charlotte. Only then can Las Garzas keep dreaming of a trophy that looked much closer just weeks ago.

Mascherano Keeps the Faith

After the draw, Javier Mascherano was clear in his message: “We have to keep going. We have four games left and we’ll try to win them all to finish as high as possible. Maybe we lost an opportunity today, but we want home advantage in the playoffs. We’ll keep fighting for the Supporters’ Shield; that’s our duty.”

One factor in Inter Miami’s favor is that the Western Conference race is also tight: San Diego FC leads with 57 points, the same as Vancouver Whitecaps, though the Canadians have played one game less. Still, the pressure on Messi and his teammates is enormous: they need a perfect run until October 19 — and hope for a rival’s stumble — to keep the title within reach.