Purists be damned: why title-deciding playoffs make soccer sing | Leander Schaerlaeckens

MLS playoffs: the ultimate test of character

The excitement surrounding Major League Soccer (MLS) has reached a fever pitch with its current playoff run. The postseason format, often maligned by purists, has proven to be a recipe for thrilling matches that bring out the best in teams and players alike. Take Inter Miami, for instance, who have stormed through the playoffs with Lionel Messi at the helm, scoring or assisting on every single goal in their post-season campaign.

The similarities between this year's playoffs and a popular TV commercial for Lowe's hardware stores are striking. In the ad, multiple Messis jockey for position on the field, creating chaos that leads to a thrilling conclusion. Similarly, Inter Miami have been a one-man show, with Messi leading by example, but his teammates have risen to the challenge, displaying a newfound sense of unity and purpose.

The drama and unpredictability of the playoffs cannot be overstated. While upsets are rare in this format, they do happen, and when they do, it adds an extra layer of excitement to what's already a highly competitive environment. A stunning 5-1 win over NYC FC by Inter Miami is a case in point, showcasing the unpredictable nature of these matches.

On the other hand, the NWSL has provided its own brand of drama, with Gotham FC pulling off an incredible upset to claim their first-ever Championship title. This achievement is all the more remarkable given their initial struggles throughout the season and their low seeding in the playoffs.

One question on everyone's mind: was this playoff run fair? The answer, of course, is no – but that doesn't diminish its entertainment value. In a league as competitive as MLS, fairness takes a backseat to drama and excitement.

The Twenty First Group consultancy's findings on what makes sporting competition attractive are particularly relevant here. With "quality, jeopardy, and connection," the playoffs deliver in spades. The concentrated action creates a self-fulfilling prophecy, where teams rise or fall based on their playoff performances.

While some may lament the erosion of the traditional league table, it's worth noting that this format has been adopted by many top European leagues and international competitions. These tournaments are often more about entertainment than mere competition, and the MLS playoffs have proven to be a winner in this regard.

In conclusion, the current MLS playoff run is a testament to the power of postseason football. The drama, unpredictability, and excitement on offer make it a must-watch event for fans. As we head into the final showdown between Inter Miami and Thomas Müller's LAFC, one thing is certain – only time will tell who emerges victorious in this thrilling championship series.

I'm so hyped for these playoffs ! The fact that teams are putting it all on the line and giving their best performances has been amazing to watch. I mean, Inter Miami's Messi show was incredible, but Gotham FC's upset win was insane . It just goes to show how competitive this league is.

I also love how the NWSL is getting more recognition now that they've got a Championship title under their belt . The women's game has always been underrated in my opinion, and it's awesome to see them finally getting the respect they deserve.

The thing that really gets me excited about these playoffs is the drama and unpredictability . You never know what's going to happen from one minute to the next. Will LAFC be able to stop Inter Miami's Messi? Can Gotham FC pull off another upset? The suspense is killing me!

And can we talk about how awesome it is that top European leagues have adopted this format too? It just shows that postseason football is the way to go – it brings out the best in teams and creates some truly unforgettable moments.

I'm totally with the haters on this one - the MLS playoffs are super unfair to the teams that don't make it . I mean, what's the point of a league table if you're just gonna throw out all the regular season results and say "oh, who won in the playoffs"? It's like they're trying to create drama for its own sake, rather than actually showcasing the best teams over 34 games. And don't even get me started on how easy it is to predict the top teams now that everyone knows when the playoffs are happening - it's like they're begging to be upset .

And another thing, what's with all the hype around Inter Miami and Lionel Messi? Yeah I know he's awesome and all, but so was his old team at Barcelona... . And as for Gotham FC's win, yeah it was cool and all, but they only made it to the championship by sheer luck - anyone can have a good game on a given day! .

The fact that everyone's so obsessed with the playoffs is just proof that the regular season doesn't even matter anymore . If you're not having fun watching your favorite team get destroyed in the postseason, then maybe they weren't trying hard enough during the season .

I'm telling you, something fishy goes down with that playoff format . All of a sudden teams are suddenly "rising" to the challenge when they win, and if they lose, well, it's just part of the drama . I mean, what about the guys who get dropped from the starting lineup? What about the players who don't even see the field? It's like they're trying to manipulate our emotions for ratings purposes . And don't even get me started on that "quality" and "jeopardy" business – sounds like corporate jargon to me . The NWSL's Gotham FC winning the Championship title is cool and all, but was it just a calculated move by the league to boost viewership?

I'm loving how the playoffs are basically just an excuse for teams to show off their skills after a long season of playing 34 games . It's like, hey, we've made it through all that training and injuries, let's have some fun! And can we talk about how ridiculous it is that Inter Miami's goal tally is basically just Messi doing his thing? Like, dude, it's not even fair to the rest of the team . On a more serious note, I'm glad to see the NWSL getting some love for their exciting playoff run. Gotham FC's underdog story is everything . As for fairness in the playoffs, let's be real, it's all about entertainment value at this point . But hey, who needs competitiveness when you can have Messi doing his thing?

I gotta say, I love how the playoffs bring out the best in teams & players. Like Inter Miami, they've had a dominant run with Messi leading the charge, but it's been awesome to see his teammates step up & contribute. The drama & unpredictability are what make this format so thrilling - who doesn't love an upset or two? And I'm hyped for the NWSL Championship title win too! Gotham FC deserved that win after all they went through. As for fairness, yeah it's not perfect, but let's be real, it's all part of the package when you're watching a high-stakes competition like this. Can't wait to see what happens in the final showdown between Inter Miami & LAFC!

i think mls playoffs are a whole different beast from other sports leagues... its like watching a big ol drama unfold on the field , and you're right, quality, jeopardy & connection is exactly what makes it so addictive... but can we talk about how teams like inter miami & gotham fc have to carry their entire season on their shoulders during playoffs? that's some heavy pressure...

I'm so hyped for the MLS playoffs ! It's like the whole league is coming together to put on an amazing show. I mean, have you seen Inter Miami's run? Lionel Messi is literally a one-man team, but his teammates are rising to the challenge too! It's like they're all working together as a unit

And can we talk about how exciting it is when upsets happen? Like that crazy 5-1 win over NYC FC - it was insane! The NWSL's drama with Gotham FC winning the Championship title is so cool too... I mean, who didn't see that coming?

But seriously, what really gets me is how this playoff format brings out the best in teams and players. It's not just about winning or losing, it's about entertainment value And let's be real, if it's good enough for top European leagues, it's good enough for us!

I'm not buying all the hype around these playoffs . I mean, don't get me wrong, it's been a wild ride with all the upsets and whatnot, but let's be real, teams are already playing their best ball just to make the playoffs. It's not like anyone can come out of nowhere and give them a run for their money. And another thing, what's with all the emphasis on "drama" and "unpredictability"? Can't we just have some actual competitiveness for once? I'm also not convinced that this format is fair to teams that aren't used to it. It's like they're being thrown into the deep end without any support. Let's see how they do in a real season, instead of relying on a mini-season to decide everything .

I'm loving how dramatic the MLS playoffs have become this year . I mean, take a look at Inter Miami - they're basically being led by Lionel Messi alone on the field! It's like they say, "the ultimate test of character" has really come into play here. And that 5-1 win over NYC FC? Mind-blowing! The unpredictability is what makes these playoffs so thrilling.

But here's a question I've been thinking about - with all the drama and excitement, do we care less about the traditional league table anymore? Like, who even cares if Inter Miami isn't in first place when they're just doing their thing and winning games? It's like the playoffs have taken over as the main event. And don't even get me started on Gotham FC's upset win - that was incredible!

It's also got me thinking about what makes sporting competition so attractive to us. Is it really about fairness, or is it just about entertainment value? The Twenty First Group consultancy's findings make a lot of sense here. With quality matches, jeopardy, and connection, the playoffs deliver in spades.

Anyway, I'm hyped for the final showdown between Inter Miami and LAFC! It's gonna be a wild ride, no matter who wins .

lol what's up i just did a quick analysis of the mls playoffs and these stats are wild average goal difference for top 4 teams is 1.25 which is insane considering it's not as deep as epl or champions league also did some research on team performance during playoffs vs regular season and guess what? they're pretty much identical... same average goals conceded, same xg etc it just goes to show that the top teams are always gonna be the ones to watch in the playoffs

the mls playoffs are like a rollercoaster ride - you never know what's gonna happen next . i love how teams rise to the challenge when it matters most, and the drama that ensues is just epic . personally, i think the format might be a bit flawed, but who cares? it's more about the entertainment value than anything else . what i do find interesting is how these playoffs bring out different aspects of the teams - you see the unity and purpose in inter miami's case, and then the determination and grit from teams like gotham fc. it's all part of what makes this tournament so compelling .

I'm loving this playoff run so far! It's like the MLS has finally figured out how to create a real spectacle . The way Inter Miami has dominated, but also seen their teammates step up and get wins is pure gold. But let's not forget, this format has been implemented in other leagues around the world for a reason - it works! The unpredictability is what makes it so exciting, and who can argue with that? However, I do think it raises interesting questions about competition versus entertainment. Are we valuing the drama over actual team performance? That's something to think about as we head into the final stages of this championship series...

I'm thinking... these playoffs are so intense! I mean, take a look at how teams like Inter Miami have come together to dominate the competition with Messi leading the charge. It's not just about him, though - his teammates have stepped up and shown some serious chemistry. And let's be real, who doesn't love an underdog story? Like Gotham FC's Championship win - that was amazing!

But seriously, the unpredictability of these playoffs is what makes them so exciting. You never know what's gonna happen next. It's like watching a thriller movie... except instead of popcorn, you're munching on nachos while cheering on your favorite team.

I do think it's cool that other top leagues have adopted this format too. It's all about creating that extra layer of drama and tension. And hey, even if the traditional league table isn't as important, it's still awesome to see teams battling it out for a championship title.

What do you guys think? Are these playoffs more exciting than regular season games?

I'm loving how the MLS playoffs are really bringing out the best in teams and players . It's crazy to think that a format that was once maligned by some fans has become a highlight of the season. The unpredictability is what makes it so exciting, and I love how teams rise or fall based on their playoff performances ️. Of course, fairness takes a backseat, but who needs that when you've got Messi leading the charge? . It's also amazing to see Gotham FC's incredible upset win – they totally deserved that Championship title . The Twenty First Group consultancy's findings are spot on – quality, jeopardy, and connection are exactly what make this format so attractive . Bring on the final showdown between Inter Miami and LAFC – can't wait to see who comes out on top!

<3 MLS playoffs are like a wild rollercoaster ride ! The drama & unpredictability have me on the edge of my seat. I'm loving how Inter Miami and Gotham FC have taken their games to the next level . It's awesome to see Messi & Co. dominating with that one-man show, but also thrilled when upsets happen like that 5-1 win over NYC FC .

The NWSL achieving its first-ever Championship title is even more amazing considering their struggles earlier in the season . And don't even get me started on how exciting it is to see top European leagues & international comps adopting similar playoff formats !

I'm kinda worried about the "fairness" thing, tho ... but honestly, who cares? The entertainment value is unbeatable!

Anyways, I'm hyped for the final showdown between Inter Miami and LAFC . Who do u think will take home the title?

This MLS playoffs are like that crazy video of Messi juggling 10 balls ! Just kidding (kinda). Seriously though, I think the playoff format is a total game-changer. It's like they say, "the show must go on" - and boy, do these teams put on a show . I mean, Inter Miami with one superstar player? That's like trying to solve a math problem with one missing piece... it ain't gonna happen . And don't even get me started on the NWSL drama – Gotham FC is like that underdog you love to root for . The only question is: will Inter Miami take home the title, or will LAFC be all like "nope, not this time" ? Only time (and a lot of soccer) will tell! ️

I'm loving the drama that's unfolding in the MLS playoffs . The way teams are coming together to take down their opponents is truly inspiring. But can we talk about how rigged it feels? Like, Inter Miami is basically just a one-man show with Messi leading the charge . I mean, don't get me wrong, he's an incredible player, but it's not like the rest of the team isn't contributing at all... sort of.

And what about Gotham FC's underdog story? They were written off early on in the season, but they came out swinging and snatched that championship title from under everyone's noses . It's definitely added a new layer of excitement to the playoffs, but it also makes me wonder if some teams are just getting lucky.

Overall, I think this playoff format is a winner, but only because it's so unpredictable . You never know what's gonna happen next, and that's what makes it so thrilling. Bring on the final showdown between Inter Miami and LAFC – it's going to be a wild ride! ️

I'm loving this MLS playoff run so far ! The way teams are coming together to pull off stunning upsets is just incredible. I mean, Gotham FC's win over the top seed was pure magic . And Inter Miami with Messi at the helm? Forget about it, they're unstoppable .

But what really gets me is how this format brings out the best in teams and players. It's like they say, "the ultimate test of character" - and we get to witness that drama and excitement firsthand . I don't care if some people say it's not fair or that the league table takes a backseat; for me, it's all about the thrill of competition.

I've got to say, though, I'm intrigued by how this format has been adopted by top European leagues and international comps. It's like they're saying, "Hey, let's mix things up and make it more entertaining!" And you know what? It works ! The Twenty First Group consultancy's findings on what makes sporting competition attractive are spot on - quality, jeopardy, and connection are just the ticket.

Anyway, can't wait to see who comes out on top between Inter Miami and LAFC in the final showdown ️!

omg like seriously though, can't believe how one man (lol just kidding kinda) can change the game for his team , Messi to the rescue again! and btw, NWSL drama is always lit Gotham FC's upset win was insane... I mean who needs a traditional league table when you've got this much excitement? the thing that gets me though is how quickly teams can go from struggling to contenders after the playoffs... like what happened with NYC FC