MLS make grand plan at Times Square in New York for Lionel Messi's playoff debut with Inter Miami: Reports

Major League Soccer (MLS) have announced their huge plans of broadcasting Lionel Messi's first playoff game with Inter Miami. According to Fox Sports, the fixture is set to be broadcast on a huge screen on Times Square in New York City.

This comes after the Florida side secured their position in the playoffs with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew. With the victory, they clinched the Supporters' Shield, the trophy given to the best-performing regular season team and now have 68 points from 32 games. They will also benefit from home-field advantage for the rest of the playoffs, until the MLS Cup final.

Messi has been in prime form for Inter Miami in his second season in the US. Despite featuring in just 17 league games, he has collected an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists. The Herons have made it to the playoffs for the first time since his arrival after they failed to do so last season.

The Supporters' Shield marks the Argentine superstar's second trophy in the country, having previously won the Leagues Cup last season.

Inter Miami will begin their playoffs with a three-match series against an opponent to be determined, which will be the winner of the Wild Card playoff match set to be held on October 22.

Lionel Messi plays down chasing MLS record and looks ahead to playoffs

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi suggested that breaking the record for most points in a season in the MLS was not on the minds of the team. Speaking after the side's 3-2 win over Columbus Crew, the ex-Barcelona hero said (via USAToday):

“Even though we have a great opportunity to go down in history in that, I also think it is less important.”

“The first objective has been achieved and now we have to think about what is coming, right? The first (playoff matchup) is (best of) three, but then it's a game (each). Anything can happen in a game, but we have a great advantage in that we play all the games at home, which is what we were looking for. I think we are very, very strong at home,” he added.

With a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew, Inter Miami clinched the Supporters' Shield. Messi was at his usual best, scoring twice in the first half including a brilliant free-kick.

The win means the Florida side have now accrued 68 points from their 32 games. The current record is 73 set by New England Revolution in 2021, meaning the Florida side would have to win both their remaining games to break it.