Sat Oct 26 01:38:45 UTC 2024: **Summary of the Al Jazeera Article on MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield:**

1. **Overview of MLS Season**: The 2024 MLS season is nearing its conclusion, with teams vying for the MLS Cup, a key tournament in North American football.

2. **Supporters’ Shield vs. MLS Cup**: The Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the team with the best record during the regular season, while the MLS Cup is decided through a playoff format.

3. **Inter Miami’s Achievement**: Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, won the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and has qualified for the playoffs for the first time.

4. **Playoff Structure**: The 29 MLS teams are split into Eastern and Western conferences. The top seven teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs, with an additional wildcard team from each conference through play-ins.

5. **Quarterfinals Format**: The conference quarterfinals consist of best-of-three series, with no aggregate scores and no ties, leading directly to penalty kicks in case of a draw.

6. **Later Rounds**: Conference semifinals, finals, and the MLS Cup final revert to single-game formats. Higher-seeded teams host games, and if necessary, matches can go to extra time and penalties.

7. **Final Hosting Rights**: By winning the Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami earns the right to host the MLS Cup final if they continue to advance. If eliminated, the team with the next best record that remains will host the final.

8. **Lionel Messi’s Impact**: Messi is anticipated to play a crucial role in the knockout stages, with a unique feature allowing fans to view a livestream of his movements during matches.

Overall, the article highlights key details about the MLS Cup, the playoff format, and Inter Miami’s notable performance with Messi on the team.

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