Greg Cote’s Poll Dance: Must Miami, Messi win MLS Cup for year to be success? Vote
One year ago Inter Miami finished with the best regular season record in Major League Soccer to win the Supporters Shield and Lionel Messi was named league MVP. But then Miami fizzled and was stunningly eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Now, Miami has finished as the No. 3 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, and Messi has won the Golden Boot as league scoring leader (29 goals) and likely will be named MVP again.
The question: Must Miami and Messi finish the job, survive the playoffs and win the MLS Cup championship trophy for this season to be judged a success?
I say yes, resoundingly, unequivocally. But this is your poll, not mine.
Vote as many times as you like or until your fingers ache.
GREG COTE’S POLL DANCE: Must Inter Miami and Messi win MLS Cup for season to be a success?
Previous Poll Dance verdict: Modest-at-best expectations for this Miami Heat season: We asked, “What is your realistic expectation for Miami Heat this season?” You said. Lower playoff seed and maybe a first-round win 52%; Play-in round not resulting in playoffs 25%; Top-4 finish in East and at least a first-round win 12%; and A finish below play-in round 12%.
This story was originally published October 19, 2025 at 9:57 AM.
