Inter Miami, Lionel Messi returns but the dream is over

The Argentine, back from an injury, played only 35 minutes

Messi's dream of taking Inter Miami to the MLS playoffs è vanished. The defeat, at DRV PNK Stadium, against FC Cincinnati (1-0 the final, victory goal signed by Barreal) was decisive. By now, even mathematically, making it to the post season is è no longer possible.

It was a blow for Messi, who, after giving the club the first trophy in its history (the Leagues Cup), dreamed of going a long way in the playoffs as well. After missing, through injury, five of the last six matches, he tried to contribute but was not in the best condition to do so. Remaining on the field for only 35', the Argentine World Champion did not engrave as he would have liked.

"His injury è resolved, but his rhythm was a bit slack. He had little energy, that's why I had him play only 35 minutes", Coach Martino's words in the postgame reported by ESPN. "I am satisfied with what we did" continued Martino. "We managed to win a title, something that 26 out of 28 teams will not be able to do this season, and we had a chance" to reach the playoffs, something that three months ago was pure madness to think about, so I am happy with how we played".