Lionel Messi’s entry into the sport within the second half wasn’t sufficient as Inter Miami surrendered a late purpose in a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati on Saturday night time, ending its postseason hopes.
The seven-time Ballon d’ Or winner, who had missed 5 of his final six video games due to a leg harm, was not within the beginning lineup but was anticipated to play sooner or later within the match.
Anticipating a second-half look, followers at DRV PNK Stadium screamed his identify when Messi and teammates started warmups alongside the sidelines within the second half. The screams intensified as Messi approached the midfield space and entered the match within the fifty fifth minute.
He made a direct impression, drawing a foul and free kick within the 59th minute. But his shot from 25 yards sailed excessive and vast.
Cincinnati, in first place within the Eastern Conference, received the sport on Álvaro Barreal’s purpose within the 78th minute. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender stopped Yuya Kubo’s point-blank shot and Barreal retrieved the deflection and transformed with his left foot from 8 yards.
Messi had one other free kick throughout stoppage time but his equalizing try sailed vast left.
The loss saved Miami (9-17-6) at 33 factors with two matches remaining whereas ninth-place Montreal, which held the ninth and final Eastern Conference playoff berth solidified its spot with its 4-1 win over Portland.
Miami went 1-2-2 with Messi out of the lineup.
Cincinnati (20-5-8, 68 factors) has already clinched the highest berth within the East and a first-round bye.
Miami pressured all through the primary half but couldn’t beat goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Josef Martinez and Benjamin Cremaschi had the perfect scoring alternatives, but their photographs deflected off the goalpost within the twenty second and twenty fourth minutes. Celentano additionally dove and deflected Facundo Farias’ 20-yard shot within the thirtieth minute.
Messi will be part of Argentina for 2026 World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Paraguay and Peru on Oct. 12 and 17 respectively.
Miami’s remaining league matches after Saturday will probably be a house and street set in opposition to Charlotte Oct. 18 and 21.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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