Can Inter Miami survive must-win match without Lionel Messi?

This turnaround has pulled Miami out of last in the East and made it a contender for the MLS playoffs. But to qualify for American soccer's postseason, Miami must win the vast majority of its nine remaining games.

Its next opponent is Sporting Kansas City, a relatively weak team that Miami would beat under normal circumstances. But there's nothing normal about the circumstances of this game because Miami will be without the majority of its best players.

Messi, as well as midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi and strikers Robert Taylor and Josef Martinez, won't play against Sporting KC. They're on international duty, representing their countries in friendlies and qualifiers. With Cremaschi in St. Louis, Taylor in Finland, Martinez in Venezuela and Messi in Argentina, Miami's chances hinge on its B-team during this crucial late-stage game.

That should be worrying for Miami coach Tata Martino. His side may have scored 29 goals in the past 11 games, but over 75% of them came from players who will be unavailable for a home game against Sporting KC on Saturday. Couple that with Sporting KC's excellent run of form — striker Alan Pulido is competing for the MLS Golden Boot — and it's difficult to see Miami breaking through.

Miami will be without Messi, Cremaschi, Taylor and Martinez for just one game, but that one game will heavily influence the team's playoff chances. Lose to Sporting KC and Miami's playoff hopes could diminish. 

Win, against all odds, though, and Miami's resurgence suddenly becomes a bit more real for the league. If it can succeed without Cremaschi, Taylor, Martinez and Messi, Miami could be especially dangerous the remainder of the season.