Lionel Messi Inter Miami –
Lionel Messi Inter Miami postseason hopes were shattered in a heart-wrenching loss to FC Cincinnati on their home turf. The Herons suffered their second consecutive defeat, leaving them trailing seven points behind the coveted playoff spots with only two games remaining.
Lionel Messi had been notably absent from the squad for the past four games, but his return to the field for this crucial matchup provided a glimmer of hope. However, the 36-year-old superstar initially watched from the sidelines as his team struggled to find the back of the net in the first half.
Messi made his entrance into the game in the 55th minute, taking over the captain’s armband from Argentine defender Tomas Aviles. Despite his efforts to inspire a comeback, Inter Miami couldn’t overcome FC Cincinnati, the formidable Eastern Conference leaders.
The turning point of the match arrived with just 12 minutes remaining, as Argentine winger Alvaro Barreal, not Lionel Messi, delivered a crucial goal for the visitors. Barreal netted his fifth goal of the season after seizing a rebound from Yuya Kubo’s shot, which followed a rare Sergio Busquets error.
Despite a valiant effort by Inter Miami and Messi, an equalizer remained elusive, resulting in their elimination from playoff contention. With only two games left in the season, both against Charlotte FC, Inter Miami will play for pride as they look to end their campaign on a positive note.