Luis Suarez scored twice as ten-man Inter Miami clinched their spot in this season's Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-0 win over Cincinnati at Chase Stadium on Saturday.

Suarez, the Uruguayan veteran, opened the scoring just 32 seconds into the match and added a second goal five minutes later, securing Miami's place in the postseason despite the absence of injured superstar Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami is now eight points ahead of second-placed Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference standings.

Messi has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in Argentina's Copa America final victory over Colombia on July 14. However, Miami anticipates Messi will return before the regular season ends on October 19, with playoffs set to start the following week.

This match was a significant turnaround for Miami, who had previously been defeated 6-1 by Cincinnati on July 6. The game began with Miami clearly intent on avenging that loss.

Yannick Bright assisted Marcelo Weigandt, who delivered the ball to Suarez for the opening goal. Suarez then scored again after a precise exchange with Matias Rojas.

The game took a turn when Tomas Aviles of Miami received a second yellow card just before halftime for a reckless challenge, leaving Miami with ten players.

In the second half, Cincinnati introduced Luciano Acosta, the reigning league MVP, returning from an injury. Despite Acosta's efforts to add creativity, Cincinnati could not prevent their fourth consecutive defeat.

Miami managed to maintain their defensive organization and discipline throughout the game, with Italian midfielder Yannick Bright continuing to impress.