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MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Leagues Cup Semifinal-Inter Miami CF at Philadelphia Union Aug 15, 2023 Chester, PA, USA Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi 10 reacts after missing a shot against the Philadelphia Union the second half at Subaru Park. Chester Subaru Park PA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBillxStreicherx 20230815_jcd_sq4_0227
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MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Leagues Cup Semifinal-Inter Miami CF at Philadelphia Union Aug 15, 2023 Chester, PA, USA Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi 10 reacts after missing a shot against the Philadelphia Union the second half at Subaru Park. Chester Subaru Park PA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBillxStreicherx 20230815_jcd_sq4_0227
Just hours ago, Inter Miami defeated the New York Red Bulls to clinch three crucial points. Their star player, Lionel Messi, also made his debut, coming off the bench. The win certainly gives David Beckham’s soccer franchise hope for the playoffs. Unfortunately, their hopes may shatter as they have received a huge blow.
Already the Florida-based club has been in terrific form and has kept their winning streak alive. But now, it seems unnecessary trouble is waiting for them.
Inter Miami’s playoff aspirations dealt a crushing blow
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Inter Miami fans love to see their star signing Messi in action. However, there’s bad news as now the Argentine won’t be available for the next few games. This comes from the mouth of Tata Martino, who gave the unfortunate news. The former River Plate manager was asked to give his thoughts without winning Messi.
He said, “Lionel Messi is going to miss at least 3 games, he will get called up for his national team.” As his statement suggests, La Pulga will be called up by Lionel Scaloni and Co. in the coming days. The World Cup winner would need to fulfill his nation’s calls. Certainly, this is a major blow for Miami’s MLS playoff hopes.
Tata Martino on winning without Messi:
"Lionel Messi is going to miss at least 3 games, he will get called up for his national team"
Question by @TomBogert#interMiamiCF #InterMiami #MLS #MLSSeasonPass pic.twitter.com/zT6jhsj2rv
— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) August 27, 2023
Since Messi arrived, there has been a significant turnaround in Miami’s fortunes. But without his presence, it would be a hard time for the Herons to conjure up a win. As per Tata Martino’s statement, the next three games are against Nashville, LAFC, and Sporting KC on August 31, September 4, and September 10.
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All these games are important to decide Miami’s fate for the MLS playoffs. Messi’s absence will be eating up Miami from the inside. Nevertheless, they must try to win the games without their leader up front. Meanwhile, let’s talk about his MLS debut.
Lionel Messi makes his MLS debut!
After a Leagues Cup triumph and the US Open Cup, it was time for Messi to make his MLS debut. While the Argentinian superstar might not have played the game from the start, he managed to get on the scoresheet. Although the Herons already had a narrow lead thanks to Deigo Gomez’s 37th-minute strike, Messi came off the bench in the 60th minute to double their lead in the dying moments of the game.
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Moreover, he helped his side clinch a victory after so long. The legendary forward didn’t take much time to get his first goal in the MLS as he found the net. Certainly, he would be looking to keep up with his scoring form. But ardent Miami fans will be missing it for the next few weeks.
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