For Lionel Messi and Inter Miami MLS Cup, not league success, rules all

The Javier Mascherano-led side has an outside chance of repeating as Supporters' Shield winners, but MLS Cup remains the ultimate goal

Much about Tuesday night in Fort Lauderdale was typical. The weather was sticky and humid. The crowd at Chase Stadium was lively. And on the field, Lionel Messi assisted Jordi Alba, and vice-versa, in a 3-1 win for Inter Miami. That the victory came against the Seattle Sounders, the side that beat Miami in a contentious Leagues Cup final two weeks ago, gave the squad a measure of revenge. But there are bigger factors at play.

It was important to regain positive feelings," Miami head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters afterward.