FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi’s first season in Major League Soccer will finish with out a journey to the playoffs following Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati on Saturday evening.

Messi entered within the fifty fifth minute and went scoreless for the fourth straight league sport since getting a purpose within the 89th minute of his MLS debut. The defeat eradicated Miami from rivalry with two video games remaining. He had missed 5 of the group’s six earlier video games in all competitions due to a leg damage.

Anticipating a second-half look, followers at DRV PNK Stadium screamed his title when Messi and teammates started warmups alongside the sidelines. The screams intensified as Messi approached the midfield space and entered the match within the fifty fifth minute.

He made a direct affect, drawing a foul and free kick within the 59th minute. But his shot from 25 yards sailed excessive and extensive.

“As far as the injury is concerned, he is fine. There are no problems,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino stated in Spanish. “Obviously, because he has not played recently, there was a lack of rhythm. That is why he played (35) minutes.”

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 shot and Barreal retrieved the deflection and transformed together with his left foot from 8 yards.

PHOTOS: Messi enters sport in 2nd half however Inter Miami loses 1-0 to Cincinnati, ending playoff hopes

Messi had one other free kick throughout stoppage time however his equalizing try sailed extensive left.

The loss stored Miami (9-17-6) at 33 factors with two matches remaining whereas eighth place Montreal solidified its possibilities with its 4-1 win over Portland.

“Honestly, I anticipated the exact difference from what occurred,” stated Martino, who took over as Miami coach June 28. “My expectations were to build the club and qualify for the playoffs.”

Miami went 1-2-2 with Messi out of the lineup. Messi doubtless performed his final MLS match of the season after Miami’s elimination. He additionally has pending World Cup qualifying commitments with Argentina.

Messi scored 12 objectives within the mixed 13 league and cup matches he performed since becoming a member of Miami on a 2 1/2-year deal in July. Miami was 8-0-4 with Messi earlier than Saturday’s loss.

Cincinnati (20-5-8, 68 factors) has already clinched the highest berth within the East and a first-round bye. The win additionally avenged a house loss in opposition to Miami within the U.S. Open Cup semifinal Aug. 23.

“We had this circled after the Open Cup,” Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund informed Apple TV. “It was a tough loss at home. We wanted to come to their place and give them a taste of their own little medicine.”

Miami pressured all through the primary half with however couldn't beat goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

Tomás Avilés hit the crossbar within the ninth minute. Josef Martinez hit the goalpost within the twenty fourth minute and Benjamin Cremaschi glanced a shot off the cross bar within the twenty fourth. Celentano additionally dove and deflected Facundo Farias’ 20-yard shot within the thirtieth minute.

“We needed to make a difference in the first half,” Martino stated. “Our football was at its best in the first half. We just could not get the needed goal.”

Messi will be a part of Argentina for 2026 World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Paraguay and Peru on Oct. 12 and 17 respectively. With Miami’s season ending quickly, Argentina should determine methods to keep Messi’s health for World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Uruguay on Nov. 16 and at Brazil 5 days later.

Miami’s remaining league matches will likely be a house and street set in opposition to Charlotte Oct. 18 and 21.

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