TORONTO: With the Supporters' Shield in their possession, Inter Miami will look to continue their pursuit of the single-season points record in MLS history today when they visit Toronto FC.
Lionel Messi, however, sees the bigger picture despite the Herons (20-4-8, 68 points) residing two victories shy of breaking the league record, with two regular-season games remaining.
The New England Revolution set the record of 73 points in 2021 and will visit Inter Miami in the regular-season finale for both clubs on Oct 19.
"We have a nice opportunity to go down in history ... and now we think about what is coming," Messi told Apple TV of the MLS points record after the Herons recorded a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.
"... We have a great advantage in that we play (the final game) at home, which is what we were looking for. I think we are very, very strong at home."
Messi scored twice just before halftime against the Crew to boost his goal total to five in five matches since returning from the right ankle injury he sustained during the Copa America final in July.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient, as top player in the world, has 32 goal contributions (17 goals, 15 assists) on the season, one shy of Portland's Evander for tops in MLS.
While Miami's post-season spot is secure, Toronto FC (11-18-4, 37 points) find themselves teetering on the edge after seeing their winless run extend to four matches (0-3-1) with a demoralising 4-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday.
With its final game of the regular season today, Toronto reside in ninth place in the Eastern Conference by virtue of the tiebreaker over the Philadelphia Union (9-13-10, 37 points) and D.C. United (9-13-10, 37 points).
"We didn't look like a team ready for the playoffs, mentally, emotionally," Toronto coach John Herdman said. "We've got ... to turn that around because for whatever reason, we could win this weekend and we're in."
Prince Owusu scored in the 66th minute on Wednesday to boost his goal total to a club-best nine on the season. – REUTERS