2023 MLS Regular Season: FC Cincinnati 1-0 Inter Miami
Lionel Messi made his return from injury, but the South Florida side was eliminated from playoff contention after losing by the narrowest margin
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi at last made his return from injury, but that did not help Inter Miami avoid a defeat that effectively ended any dreams of a playoff spot.
Inter Miami was eliminated from postseason contention on Saturday night after suffering a 1-0 home defeat to FC Cincinnati at Drv Pnk Stadium. The lone goal came in the 78th minute off a rebound from Alvaro Barreal, whose precise finish came after Messi entered the game in the 55th and following three Inter Miami shots that were denied by the woodwork in the first half.
The result saw the 14th-placed Herons drop to 9-6-17 on the season, an unreachable seven points off of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining.
Inter Miami’s next game will take place on Oct. 18, with Tata Martino’s men serving as hosts to Charlotte FC in the penultimate match of the regular season.
FC Cincinnati: Alvaro Barreal 78’