Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, recently made his long-awaited return to action for Inter Miami after missing five of the past six games due to a hamstring injury. However, his comeback did not result in a victorious outcome for the team, as they suffered a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati. Despite playing for 35 minutes as a substitute, Messi’s contributions were rather minimal. In fact, his most notable moments in the game were when he missed two free kicks by sending the ball well over the crossbar. Even though his injury had healed, Messi’s overall rhythm and performance seemed off, likely due to his lack of playing time in recent matches.
Inter Miami’s defeat against FC Cincinnati effectively eliminated them from qualifying for the MLS postseason. The team struggled in Messi’s absence, winning only once in the past six games. It is evident that his presence on the field significantly affects the team’s performance, as they have a record of 8-1-4 with him in the lineup. Despite the disappointing outcome, coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino acknowledged that these remaining games still hold importance. The evaluation and observations made during these matches will play a crucial role in making informed decisions for the team’s future.
Following his brief return to action with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi will now focus on World Cup qualifying duties with the Argentine national team. His availability for subsequent matches remains uncertain, particularly due to his lingering health concerns. Although Messi will miss the team’s upcoming game against Charlotte FC, there is a possibility that he might be included in the squad for their rematch three days later. However, considering Miami’s current situation, with their playoff hopes dashed and Messi’s compromised physical condition, the decision to include him in the lineup remains questionable.
Inter Miami’s record with Lionel Messi speaks for itself. With him in the team, they have achieved significant success, winning their first trophy by claiming the Leagues Cup and reaching the U.S. Open Cup semifinal. However, their performance suffers greatly in his absence, as demonstrated by the team’s 1-3-2 record during the six games he was unavailable. While it is disheartening for the team and its fans to see their playoff hopes shattered, Coach Martino expressed satisfaction with the progress made during his first six months in charge. He emphasized the importance of shaping the team and preparing for future endeavors, ultimately looking towards the 2024 season.
The match against FC Cincinnati took place at DRV PNK Stadium amid rainy conditions. In the first half, Inter Miami displayed an entertaining performance and had several opportunities to score, hitting the woodwork three times. Goalkeeper Drake Callender also made commendable saves throughout the game, preventing his team from falling further behind. Despite the team’s effort and determination, they were unable to capitalize on these moments and fell short in the end.
It is worth noting that Lionel Messi’s return to the field for Inter Miami was unconventional. Instead of joining his teammates for the pregame warm-ups, he emerged from the tunnel and took his seat on the bench just before the start of the national anthem. Additionally, he did not participate in warm-ups during halftime. However, he did eventually stand up and engage in some stretching exercises at the beginning of the second half. These atypical behaviors might have been influenced by Messi’s desire to manage his physical condition and gradually ease back into the rhythm of the game.
Despite the team’s season coming to a close, an element of disappointment floated among Inter Miami’s most fervent supporters. Some of the fans initially planned to boycott the match altogether due to the higher 2024 season ticket renewal prices announced by the club. However, after a meeting with the team, they decided to attend the game without flags or instruments. Although they made an effort to comply with their protest, a few flags were waved, and drums were played intermittently throughout the match. This somewhat defied their original pledge. Ultimately, the fans witnessed the end of a memorable season for Inter Miami, which concluded on a damp and unsatisfying note.
Lionel Messi’s return to action with Inter Miami showcased his importance to the team’s performance. Despite his limited contributions in the game against FC Cincinnati, his presence significantly impacts the team’s overall success. The defeat effectively eliminated Miami from playoff contention, emphasizing the significance of Messi’s involvement. While his future availability remains uncertain due to international commitments and ongoing health concerns, Inter Miami will need to evaluate their performance in the remaining games to make informed decisions for the upcoming season. The team’s record clearly demonstrates their reliance on Messi, and the disappointment of missing the playoffs is counterbalanced by the progress made during Coach Martino’s tenure. As the season concluded on a rainy and unsatisfying note, the fans also dealt with their own disappointment while trying to voice their concerns regarding ticket prices. Overall, Messi’s return and Miami’s subsequent performance highlight the importance of key players and the need for consistent achievement to ensure future success.
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