Despite the return of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami lost against Cincinnati (0-1) and will not play in the MLS playoffs.
No miracle for Inter Miami. Despite a good series after the arrivals of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, the Florida club will not play in the MLS playoffs.
Tata Martino’s men have won only one of their last seven matches, weighed down by the absence of Messi, the victim of a thigh problem. The seven-time Ballon d’Or was able to play again on Saturday evening, entering in the 55th minute, but he failed to impact the game, standing out above all with two free kicks hit over the top. Inter Miami gave in against Cincinnati (0-1), and no longer has any hope of waiting for the final phase.
Inter Miami only has two games left, both against Charlotte, on October 18 and 21. Messi will miss the first match, since he will be with the Argentine selection on the 17th in Peru. And his participation in the meeting on the 21st is far from certain. Given his physical condition in recent weeks, he could be preserved for this match without stakes.
Messi loaned to Barça?
Lionel Messi has compiled 11 goals and 5 assists in 13 games with Inter Miami. He allowed his club to win the Leagues Cup, a competition between MLS clubs and those of the Mexican championship. The Argentinian then guided his team to the final of the US Open Cup, which he was unable to play in (2-1 defeat against Houston). And the Floridians’ “run” towards the playoffs was not enough.
Inter Miami will only resume competition towards the end of February 2024, and this four-month break has fueled the fantasy of Lionel Messi “freelancing” with FC Barcelona, for a resounding return under the colors of the Blaugranas . David Beckham, the owner of Inter Miami, had already made an express return to Europe during his time as a player in the USA, just like Thierry Henry. For Messi, this could only be done from January, at the opening of the winter transfer window.
