Inter Miami looks to take the first step toward reaching the 2024 MLS Cup in its first round MLS Cup Playoffs game against Atlanta United.

The Herons missed the postseason last year despite head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino and superstar Lionel Messi both arriving in South Florida in the summer of 2023. However, Miami reshaped and retooled their squad to lift their second Supporters’ Shield trophy with Messi and Luis Suárez at the helm.

Messi and his former Barcelona teammates are about to make their MLS Cup playoff debuts against an Atlanta team that has caused them problems this season. Miami stumbled in the regular season against Atlanta with a draw and a loss and Martino is hoping his team can get another win against his old club to get back on the right foot in the postseason.

With Miami playing at home, Martino will likely play with his usual 4-3-3 lineup, with all four veterans in the starting lineup.

This is how the Herons could play in the first game against Atlanta.

JOIN SI SOCCER’S INTER MIAMI WHATSAPP COMMUNITY – GET ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND ANALYSIS DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE

GK: Drake Callender– Callender can’t afford to make a costly mistake like he did against the Revolution if Miami wants to win the MLS Cup. He will try to put the game behind him and put in a better performance in the Herons goal.

CB: Marcelo Weigandt—The Argentine full-back will start again on the right side of the defensive line but could lose his place in the team if he is not careful as Ian Fray is stronger defensively.

CB: Tomas Aviles– The young defender tries to avoid rash challenges to relieve pressure from the Miami defense against a counter-threatening Atlanta team.

CB: David Martinez– The Paraguayan defender is playing minutes for the first time in well over a month since returning from injury and started in defense against New England. His willingness to start the game allows Busquets to play consistently in midfield again.

LB: Jordi Alba– The attacking fullback is looking to build on the two assists he scored last game against an inconsistent Atlanta defense.

CM: Julian Gressel– Gressel is taking on one of his former clubs and wants to use his quality on the ball to fend off crosses for Suárez in the penalty area.

CM: Sergio Busquets– Busquets starts in the middle of the park again as the Herons now have depth at centre-back again.

CM: Federico Redondo– Redondo moves straight into midfield after returning from injury. He will help Busquets create the necessary defensive strength, as Messi and Suárez usually do not come back in transition.

RW: Lionel Messi– The 37-year-old comes from the jump and looks to penetrate the middle of the pitch to receive the ball and drive past defenders to create chances.

ST: Luis Suarez—Miami’s No. 9 will be looking to maintain its excellent recent form into the postseason to do its part in helping Miami advance to the next phase.

Left: Diego Gomez– The young Paraguay international should be fully fit on Friday evening as he is an important part of Miami’s front line, which does most of the pressing.