Inter Miami have been the best team in MLS this year, a feat made that more impressive given how much of the season Lionel Messi has missed.
Even with the Argentine recently spending three months out due to international commitments and injury, Inter Miami have thrived in MLS without Messi, with the Herons on track to make history in the regular season.
Ten points from their final four games will secure the all-time record for the most points won in a regular season, with the New England currently holding the record with 73 points, with Inter Miami currently sat on 64.
Yet the Herons have now been tipped to miss out on this historic record after their last two results.
Inter Miami’s points record quest ‘a lot harder’ after back-to-back draws
Speaking on Extratime, MLS expert Matt Doyle has predicted Inter Miami to struggle to break New England’s points record with four games to go, one of which is against heavyweights Columbus Crew.
Wilfried Nancy’s side are regarded by Tata Martino as the best side in MLS having eliminated Inter Miami from this summer’s Leagues Cup having made it to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final earlier in the year.
And Inter Miami have now been tipped to miss out on MLS history in part to the Crew, with Doyle saying: “I guess it’s kind of on a little bit for Inter Miami. I am still not picking against them in this race to the Shield.
“But it has gotten a lot harder for them to set the single season points record, they need to win three and draw one, and one of those results has to be at Columbus now, and Columbus is a better team than Miami at this point.”
Messi and company need a miracle to make MLS history in remaining games
Three wins and a draw in four games is a tough ask for Inter Miami in their quest to make MLS history, with their draws away to Atlanta United and New York City FC throwing a massive wrench in their plans for the season.
And even with Messi fully fit, a miracle is needed if Inter Miami are to break the 73-point barrier in their final games of the regular season, with the Herons facing arguably the other best team in MLS in the Crew.
Indeed, Inter Miami will be gunning for history with the points record on the line, yet the Florida franchise have shown this season that they can overcome obstacles no matter how big they are.