Decision Day shapes MLS playoff berths as Nashville hosts Inter Miami

The 2025 MLS regular season concludes Saturday, Oct. 18, with Decision Day deciding final playoff berths and seedings across the league. The marquee match at GEODIS Park pits Nashville SC against Inter Miami in a fixture with immediate postseason consequences: Nashville needs three points to guarantee a spot in the opening round, while Inter Miami can move as high as second in the Eastern Conference with a win or draw combined with other results. Lionel Messi, on 26 goals, also heads into the game leading the Golden Boot race.

Nashville, currently sixth in the East, sits on a slender advantage over several chasing clubs and will be relieved of pressure only with a victory. A loss could drop the Tennessee side into the Wild Card play‑in, depending on results involving Charlotte FC and New York City FC. Inter Miami have already secured a top‑four place and are chasing second to secure more home matches deeper into the playoffs. Messi’s season form has been a decisive factor for Miami; teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both veterans, are expected to play prominent roles in the final regular‑season match.

Both teams arrive with key availability notes. Nashville will be...