Could Messi and Inter Miami be heading home early? GOAL previews all game 3s of Round 1 of the MLS playoffs

MLS' playoff format in 2024 has received criticism on all fronts. From timing between matches to goal-differential and criteria points not being a factor at all. If there's one thing it has brought, though, it's been drama.

The Round 1 Best-of-3 format saw reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew eliminated by the New York Red Bulls on Game 2 of the series, while Minnesota United upset Real Salt Lake. Elsewhere, in expected fashion, the LA Galaxy pummeled the Colorado Rapids to advance.

Everyone else? There are eight teams fighting for their playoff lives in game 3 of their respective series – including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Olivier Giroud's LAFC, the No. 1 seeds of each conference. Only four will advance.

GOAL takes a look at the keys to success for each team, and who can be the difference-maker for each squad.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGettyInter Miami vs. Atlanta United

Inter Miami's keys to success: Avoid needless mistakes and don't allow the game to develop a high-paced tempo. How Atlanta bested them in game two was keeping the game flowing at a constant pace, wearing out their midfield, and eventually crashing on the counter in stoppage-time to secure victory. The defense is their weakest link, and they're not known to be a quick team by any means. If they can just play in a calm and composed manner, they should be able to see things through.

Player to watch: Lionel Messi – knockout matches are where history is made. If he wants to truly show why he is the world's greatest player, he has to perform Saturday evening.

Atlanta's keys to success: Be a disruptor; tactically foul to frustrate Miami and break up any sort of cohesion they have in the middle of the park. If the can prove to be a nuisance in the midfield, they'll stop Miami from playing the free-flowing soccer they've shown in 2024. By doing so, Miami will become frustrated, and Atlanta can capitalize in those moments – whether it be on the counter, from a set-piece or in open play.

Player to watch: Saba Lobzhanidze – the Georgian is their leading scorer, and in Game 2, was an absolute pest in the final-third for Miami's defense. If they can get him the ball, he can test Drake Callender from virtually anywhere.

Match details: Kickoff on Nov. 9 at 8 pm ET at Chase Stadium Field in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

GOAL's prediction: Miami should be able to come out on top here, but there is a load of pressure on their shoulders. Assuming Sergio Busquets is healthy to play, though, there's no reason to see why they can't secure victory in Fort Lauderdale.

AdvertisementLAFC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

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LAFC's keys to success: Don't let Vancouver's attacking-style tactics overwhelm them. Slow the tempo, and play through Timothy Tillman in the midfield, with Denis Bouanga and Olivier Giroud up top. If they can control the pace of the match, Vancouver should be limited in chances. Then, it just comes down to the finishing their chances.

Player to watch: Bouanga – at this point, Giroud has not become a reliable member of their attack. As a result, they need the Gabon international to put on his shooting boots, lace them up and be the brilliant footballer he's shown he can be. Get him chances, and he's nearly guaranteed a goal.

Vancouver's keys to success: Jokes aside, let Vanni Sartini cook up the nastiest offensive tactics the league has ever seen, and then put them into motion. This postseason, the Whitecaps manager has played with a different ideology in all three of his playoff matches so far, including their stunning 5-0 wildcard victory over the Portland Timbers. Hand Ryan Gauld and Brian White the reigns to their attack, and let them frustrate the LAFC defense.

Player to watch: Gauld – the Scotland international has been brilliant this postseason, and LA have yet to find a way to shut him down. If Vancouver can consistently feed him the ball, their odds go up and up.

Match details: Kickoff on Nov. 8 at 10:30 pm ET at BMO Field in Los Angeles, CA. Stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

GOAL's prediction: LAFC have yet to put forth a performance this series showing why they're the No. 1 seed, while Vancouver are playing in a free and exciting manner. For the second-straight year, the top seed in the West is going to exit in Round One of the postseason, with the Whitecaps taking game two after a 3-3 draw and a penalty shootout victory.

IMGANFC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC

FCC's keys to success: Play with confidence. FCC have lacked a certain edge over the past two months that they had throughout the first half of the campaign. If manager Pat Noonan can trust his roster to get the job done, on paper, they are the better team with the better players. However, with two major injuries to their defense still in play, they can't afford to make any mistakes.

Player to watch: Luca Orellano – the Argentine has been a brilliant asset to the club this campaign, whether that's at wingback or striker. His versatility has proved to be one that teams struggle to deal with, and as a result, he could be the game-changer for the club in Game 3.

NYCFC's keys to success: Trust in their youthful core, and play like you have nothing to lose. When NYCFC have been at their best this season, it's when they've faced adversity and fought like they were the underdogs. Embrace that mentality, and go to Cincinnati with the confidence that you can get the job done.

Player to watch: Alonso Martinez – ' leading scorer, Martinez will look to lead them to glory in game three after scoring the opener in game two. If he can build on that momentum, there is a good chance NYCFC can make a play on the road.

Match details: Kickoff on Nov. 9 at 4 pm ET at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

GOAL's prediction: FCC should be able to cruise to victory here, but it all comes down to confidence and goal-scoring ability. They desperately need Lucho Acosta to step up, and if that happens, they should take it.

IMGANOrlando City vs. Charlotte FC

Orlando's keys to success: Express dominance in the midfield and in the attacking areas of the pitch. Charlotte's best quality is their defense, but if you constantly overwhelm their midfield and put pressure on them, they will crack, allowing for scoring opportunities. As long as Orlando can win the midfield, they should be able to create opportunities.

Player to watch: Facundo Torres – the Uruguayan bagged the opener in game one en route to an Orlando victory, which put them on a path to success. If he can find similar scoring opportunities and create chances in the final-third, he will be the most threatening player on the pitch.

Charlotte's keys to success: Don't let Orlando own the tempo of the match, or control the midfield. Put them on their heels early, and force them to absorb pressure. If Dean Smith can conjure up a midfield tactic to win the center of the park over the course of 90 minutes, the advantage definitely goes to Charlotte.

Player to watch: Liel Abada – a creator, goal-scorer and final-third tactician, Abada has the potential to be the game-changer in the attack for them. However, with zero regulation goals through two games, CLT's attack will take whatever they can get.

Match details: Kickoff at 6 pm ET at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, FL. Stream the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

GOAL's prediction: Orlando should be able to come out on top here. CLT have yet to show much in the attacking area of the pitch, and as a result, have not given anyone confidence that they can get the job done in regulation. However, if things do go to penalties, the confidence of Kristijan Kahlina – who made two PK saves in game two – may be too much for the to overcome.