Lionel Messi’s inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season will conclude without a playoff appearance for Inter Miami, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati on Saturday night.
Messi, who entered the match in the 55th minute, was unable to find the net for the fourth consecutive league game since scoring a debut goal in the 89th minute on his MLS introduction. The loss mathematically eliminated Miami from playoff contention with only two games remaining in the regular season. Messi’s participation in the game was limited due to missing five of the team’s previous six matches across all competitions due to a leg injury.
Fans at DRV PNK Stadium eagerly awaited Messi’s second-half appearance, greeting him with resounding cheers as he took to the field. Messi’s immediate impact saw him drawing a foul and earning a free kick in the 59th minute. However, his subsequent shot from 25 yards missed the target.
More on Lionel Messi
- Can Inter Miami Salvage Playoff Dreams in Messi’s Absence? The Latest Struggles Unveiled
- Messi’s double strike seals 3-1 victory for Inter Miami over Orlando City
- Lionel Messi gets raucous welcome at Inter Miami debut match
Messi’s fine, says coach Martino
Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino reassured fans about Messi’s fitness, stating, “As far as the injury is concerned, he is fine. There are no problems. Obviously, because he has not played recently, there was a lack of rhythm. That is why he played (35) minutes.”
Cincinnati, leading the Eastern Conference, secured the victory with Alvaro Barreal’s goal in the 78th minute. Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, initially thwarted Yuya Kubo’s attempt, but Barreal capitalized on the deflection, converting from eight yards with his left foot.
Messi had one last opportunity from a free-kick during stoppage time, but his attempt to equalize veered wide left.
With the loss, Miami remained at 33 points with two matches left in the season, while eighth-placed Montreal solidified its playoff chances with a 4-1 win over Portland.
Inter Miami coach Martino, who took charge on June 28, expressed his expectations, saying, “Honestly, I anticipated the exact difference from what occurred. My expectations were to build the club and qualify for the playoffs.”
Messi scored 12 goals in 13 league and cup matches
Messi, who scored 12 goals in the combined 13 league and cup matches since joining Miami on a 2 1/2-year deal in July, played his likely final MPLS match of the season following Miami’s elimination. He now has upcoming World Cup qualifying commitments with the Argentina national team.
Despite the disappointment of missing the playoffs, Miami boasted an 8-0-4 record with Messi in their line-up before the loss to Cincinnati with (68 points), who have secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference and a first-round bye.
During the first half, Miami pressed aggressively but failed to beat goalkeeper Roman Celentano. Tomas Aviles hit the crowbar as well. Celentano also made a crucial save, diving to deflect Facundo Farias’ 20-yard shot.
Coach Martino acknowledged the team’s first-half performance, stating, “We needed to make a difference in the first half. Our football was at its best in the first half. We just could not get the needed goal.”
Miami’s remaining league matches will be against Charlotte on October 18 and 21, both home and away.
 season will conclude without a playoff appearance for Inter Miami, as they suffered a 1-0){kind=link}