The top attraction of Major League Soccer (MLS) will no longer be seen in the playoffs.
World champion Lionel Messi made a comeback after his injury break on Saturday, but lost 1-0 at home to FC Cincinnati with Inter Miami.
With two games before the end of the regular season, Miami no longer has a chance of reaching the decisive phase of the season. With just 33 points from 32 games, David Beckham’s club is in second-to-last position in the Eastern Conference.
Messi missed five of the last six games
Messi had missed five of the last six games because an old injury was bothering him.
The 36-year-old came on as a substitute against leaders Cincinnati in the 55th minute to thunderous applause, but failed to score in the fourth league game in a row. It could have been his last appearance of this MLS season, especially since he has now appeared twice with Argentina’s national team in World Cup qualifying.
Messi has scored twelve times in 13 league and cup games for Miami so far. “As far as the injury is concerned, he is fine. There are no problems,” said Inter coach Gerardo Martino. “Because he hasn’t played recently, he obviously lacked rhythm. That’s why he played 35 minutes.” Alvaro Barreal scored the only goal of the game in the 78th minute.
2023-10-08 15:11:29
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