After a string of absence due to a hamstring injury, Lionel Messi finally made his return to the field in a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati. Unfortunately, his comeback was met with disappointment as Inter Miami’s loss in the match eliminated them from MLS postseason contention. Although Messi was able to play for 35 minutes as a substitute, his impact on the game was minimal. Two missed free kicks in the 58th minute and stoppage time highlighted the Argentine legend’s lack of rhythm and match fitness. Coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino explained the cautious approach to Messi’s playing time, stating that the star player’s injury had healed, but his rhythm was off due to limited game time.
Inter Miami had been struggling in Messi’s absence, winning only once in the past six games. Prior to his return, Messi had played for a mere 37 minutes in one appearance. The team’s poor performance in his absence not only showcased his significance, but it also exposed the team’s reliance on the legend’s presence on the field. The absence of Messi not only affected Inter Miami’s chances in MLS postseason contention but also left fans questioning whether the team could thrive without their talisman.
Messi’s injury, which proved detrimental to Inter Miami’s playoff hopes, occurred while he was on international duty with Argentina. As a result, he will be missing Miami’s next game against Charlotte FC. However, there is a possibility that he may be back in the squad for the rematch in North Carolina on the final day of the regular season. With Miami no longer competing for playoff qualification and Messi’s health in question, the likelihood of seeing him play again in the pink jersey this season remains uncertain.
Despite the disappointment of being eliminated from postseason contention, Coach Martino emphasized the importance of making the best decisions for the future based on the team’s performance in the remaining matches. Martino sees these games as an opportunity to assess the team and shape it for the upcoming year. While the final two games may not carry the weight of playoff implications, they hold significance in providing valuable insights and lessons for the team’s development moving forward.
Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami
Since joining the club, Messi has been a driving force behind Inter Miami’s success. With 11 goals in 13 matches, the team achieved an impressive 8-1-4 record when he played. Notably, seven of these matches contributed to their victorious campaign in the Leagues Cup, and another match saw them reach the U.S. Open Cup semifinal. In contrast, Inter Miami’s record without Messi stands at 1-3-2, underscoring the impact he has on the team’s overall performance.
Although Inter Miami’s season came to an end on a damp note with the loss to FC Cincinnati, Coach Martino remained positive in his post-game press conference. He emphasized the progress the team made during the six-month season, including winning the Leagues Cup title. Martino expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall competitiveness and their unexpected chance to compete for a playoff spot. As he looks to the future, he remains optimistic about building a strong foundation for the team’s success in 2024.
In the final match against the already-crowned Supporters’ Shield winners at DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami showcased their determination with several near misses, hitting the woodwork three times in the first 24 minutes. Goalkeeper Drake Callender’s impressive saves throughout the game played a crucial role in keeping the team in contention. Despite the adversity of Messi’s return and the disappointing loss, the team, and its supporters, put up a spirited fight until the very end.
Awaiting the Future
Inter Miami now faces the reality of a season without playoff aspirations. As they reflect on their journey and the challenges they faced, the team must assess their strengths and weaknesses. The absence and subsequent return of Lionel Messi shed light on the team’s dependence on their star player. Looking ahead, Inter Miami must work on building a more balanced and self-reliant team to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success. As the season comes to a close, the focus shifts to evaluating the team’s performance, making strategic decisions, and preparing for a brighter future.
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