MLS fans are left GUTTED as Lionel Messi’s playoff hopes come to an end after his first Inter Miami defeat: ‘Wish he could have made it’

• Messi, 36, failed to inspire the Herons as Alvaro Barreal scored late to end hopes 
• The World Cup winner was struggling for fitness ahead of Saturday night’s loss 
• DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news

Lionel Messi’s entry into the game in the second half wasn’t enough as Inter Miami surrendered a late goal in a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati on Saturday night, ending its post-season hopes, as fans were left gutted by the defeat on social media.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who had missed five of his last six games due to a leg injury, wasn’t in the starting XI but was expected to play at some point in this weekend’s match .

Anticipating a second-half appearance, fans at DRV PNK Stadium screamed his name when Messi and teammates began warmups along the sidelines in the second half. The screams intensified as Messi approached the midfield area and entered the match in the 55th minute.

He made an immediate impact, drawing a foul and free kick in the 59th minute. But his shot from 25 yards sailed high and wide.

Cincinnati, in first place in the Eastern Conference, won the game on Alvaro Barreal’s go-ahead goal in the 78th minute. Messi had another free kick during stoppage time, but his equalizing attempt sailed wide left, leaving fans disappointed, as they’ll now have to wait until February for Messi to play MLS action once again, with the season starting in the winner and ending mid-October of each year. 

Lionel Messi will miss out on the MLS playoffs in his debut season playing soccer in America

Fans were saddened by Messi’s inability to steer the Herons from last place to the MLS playoffs

‘Sad for Messi, but it was always going to be a near impossible task to make the playoffs after the start Inter Miami had. 2024 MLS Cup winners, though, put it in the books,’ said an Inter Miami fan 

‘MLS is so bad…like [Red Bull New York] has a chance to make the playoffs and Messi doesn’t,’ tweeted another user. 

‘Sad to see that Messi’s return was not enough to take Inter Miami to the playoffs,’ posted a different individual.

‘Everyone hates seeing the GOAT sad, wish he could have made it and gone far,’ said a fan of the Argentine. ‘So much fun to watch.’ 

‘These guys were one of the better teams the [second] half of the season and won Leagues Cup. They have played a lot of soccer the last few months. Regroup in the offseason and come back stronger,’ shared someone else. Nothing to be ashamed of.’

‘Obviously, it’s sad that @InterMiamiCF have lost and been eliminated from the playoffs. However, this means @FCBarcelona have a great opportunity to bring the GOAT back home #Messi #bringmessiback,’ pointed out a user. 

‘Messi should have started, would have been an easy win for Inter Miami,’ shared an angry fan of The Herons on X, referring to Miami head coach Tata Martino’s choice to have Messi come off the bench with 35 minutes left to play in Saturday’s game.

Messi expressed his sadness and disappointment after the final whistle was blown on Saturday

Other fans pointed at an opportunity for Messi to return to Barcelona on loan and for Miami to strengthen, particularly in defense, during the offseason

The loss kept Miami (9-17-6) at 33 points with two matches remaining while ninth place Montreal, which held the ninth and last 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. The 36-year-old likely played his last MLS match of the season after Miami’s elimination. He also has pending World Cup qualifying commitments with Argentina against Paraguay and Peru on October 12 and 17 respectively.

Messi scored 12 goals in the combined 13 league and cup matches he played since joining Inter Miami on a three-year deal in July. Miami was 8-0-4 with Messi before Saturday’s loss.

Cincinnati (20-5-8, 68 points) has already clinched the top berth in the East and a first-round bye. For Cincinnati, the win also avenged a home loss against Miami in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on August 23.

Miami’s remaining league matches will be a home and road set against Charlotte October 18 and 21.

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