A 3-1 win in Game 1 saw all the momentum shift to Lionel Messi and company after the Argentine scored two goals. But with the rain coming down in Nashville, a slow start doomed Javier Mascherano's side, who gave the hosts a penalty kick within the first 10 minutes and conceded again right before halftime.

The higher seed are home for the first and — if necessary — third games of the series.The winners advance to the conference semifinals, with that round joining the conference final and MLS Cup Final as single-elimination matches at the home of the higher seed.

While Inter Miami may feel in command, their historic first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United last season still lingers this postseason. Inter Miami, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners, won Game 1 against Atlanta before dropping the next two matches to end their season short of MLS Cup title expectations.

It's a do-or-die wildcard round followed by the best-of-three first round as MLS begins the march towards a champions

MLS’ salary cap rules are a staple of the league, but Messi says it limits the ability of the league to attract top talent.

Alba and Miami are in the midst of the MLS Cup playoffs looking to make a run at the league’s ultimate prize. The MLS Cup final is slated for Dec. 6. If the Herons run the gauntlet and qualify, the final will also serve as a farewell for Alba and Busquets. A high note to cap off two legendary careers.

In an exclusive interview, Nani shares memories of Orlando City, his favorite MLS fans, and why Cristiano Ronaldo could follow Beckham into ownership.

Hagglund, the Cincinnati native and the only player to have spent all seven MLS seasons with the Orange and Blue, received the honor by earning nearly 35% of the vote among all nominated players for the award. Second-place finisher Richie Laryea of Toronto FC receiver 19.44%.