Why Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami from Eastern Conference played LAFC from Western conference in MLS?

The Argentine produced two assists in 3-1 win over LAFC

Following their 3-1 win over Los Angeles FC, Miami remain 14th in the Easter Conference group and will have to win the rest of their games to qualify for the play-off.

Inter Miami presented another Hollywood show on Sunday night, destroying Los Angeles FC 3-1 in the presence of a star-studded audience at BMO Stadium that featured Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

In the second half, Facundo Farias netted the opening goal for Inter Miami, and Lionel Messi provided assists on two more goals as Inter Miami's onslaught proved to be excessive to handle for the Black and Gold.

Although Steve Cherundolo's team had opportunities, they were unable to capitalise on them because Drake Callender made crucial saves and Denis Bouanga made poor choices on breakaways.

Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi contributed to a well-executed play that ended with Jordi Alba scoring his first MLS goal. Before LAFC's Ryan Hollinghead scored a late consolation goal, Callender seemed on the road to a shutout.

It's still a significant win for the Herons because, with nine games left in the regular season, they are now just eight points off of a playoff spot. Sporting Kansas City will be the next opponent on Saturday, September 9.

Losing is troubling for LAFC because they lacked the traits that made them a successful team, like calmness under pressure and easy finishing from Carlos Vela and Bouanga.

It can be challenging to take advantage of opportunities when playing against Messi, but this team features Giorgio Chiellini right now and had Gareth Bale last year. Even though LAFC is used to pressure, it nevertheless crumbled when facing Messi and Inter Miami.

If teams keep acting in that way, not only can the Herons enter the playoffs against enormous odds, but the MLS Cup will also be possible.

Why do clubs from Eastern Conference play clubs from Western conference in the MLS group?

If clubs just faced other conference rivals at home and away, the fixture list would only be 28 games; however, MLS completes the schedule by scheduling the final six games against opponents from the opposing conference.