Messi’s Evolution: The Key to Miami’s Playoff Success

Lionel Messi has frequently been asked about the secret to his enduring excellence, impressive injury record, and consistent effectiveness at the age of 38. His answer is deceptively simple: he has mastered the art of walking.

This approach may not be groundbreaking, but Messi has become an expert at energy conservation—both when his team is in possession and when they are defending. He strategically positions himself before making short sprints to receive passes, demonstrating an ability to navigate tight spaces without exhausting himself. This same principle applies when Miami is without the ball; Messi typically refrains from pressing defensively, as marked by his low defensive action statistics. After all, such responsibilities fall to his teammates.

However, a transformation occurred on Sunday night. Messi showcased a renewed urgency, actively participating defensively by blocking passing lanes and thwarting Cincinnati’s attempts to advance the ball. Notably, he dropped back to reclaim possession, subsequently assisting in Miami’s third goal.

“We know what Leo is capable of—he proves it every weekend. Today, he did another incredible job off the ball, because we already know what he’s capable of with it,” remarked manager Javier Mascherano following the match.

Messi’s traditional playmaking brilliance remained evident, as he created eight scoring opportunities, recorded three assists, and netted the opening goal. He has set a new MLS record with 12 goal contributions in a single playoff season and has scored or assisted 22 goals in his last seven games, averaging an astounding contribution every 28.6 minutes.

Despite his pivotal role in Miami’s offensive maneuvers, Messi’s touch count was lower than five other players on the pitch. However, no other player matched his dribbling success or passing accuracy. The true value of Messi transcends mere statistics; it lies in key moments. He initiated the first goal by receiving the ball near the halfway line, then surged into the box to score with a header. His assists were delivered with precision, cutting through the defense and setting up teammates for near-certain goals.

This impressive form has been consistent, not just in MLS but throughout his career. Messi was named MVP last year and is likely to repeat that honor this season. He was on the verge of breaking the single-season goal involvement record held by LAFC’s Carlos Vela, showcasing his enduring impact on the game.

What has shifted for Miami, however, is the defensive efficiency that has emerged in recent games. Historically, they struggled defensively, often exposed during transitions. Yet, with Silvetti bringing more energy and Messi stepping up his defensive efforts, Miami has become more formidable in the playoffs, allowing only 1.01 expected goals against and conceding just once from open play.

The Eastern Conference has shown a pronounced depth this season, with the top teams outperforming their Western counterparts. Miami faced a challenging path, but they have performed admirably in the playoffs, defeating a top team like Cincinnati even after having lost to them significantly in previous encounters.

As they look to the future, Miami’s prospects seem bright. While Philadelphia was considered a potential threat, they were eliminated, leaving Miami as the favorites to advance. They stand ready to host the winner of the Western Conference in the MLS Cup final.

Ultimately, the defining factor remains the Messi effect. His goals, assists, and the intangible moments he creates on the field elevate Miami’s game, making them a formidable opponent. With a collective effort from the team, Miami could become nearly unbeatable as they pursue championship glory.