The playoff dream is over! Just hours ago, Inter Miami played their MLS fixture against Cincinnati at the DRV PNK Stadium. This time, Lionel Messi finally joined his teammates as he started the game from the bench. Sadly, even in his presence, Miami couldn’t keep their case for the playoffs as they endured a poor loss by just a margin of a goal. Following the match, fans reacted to The Herons’ humiliating loss.
The Miami-based side took the gamble of including Lionel Messi in today’s match, but there were no encouraging signs for David Beckham‘s soccer franchise, as their playoff dreams have now been shattered.
Fans react as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami lose against Cincinnati
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The first half saw both sides tussling for a goal, but neither side could break the deadlock. As we went into the second half, Inter Miami used their ace card and brought in Lionel Messi in the 55th minute. Despite passing the ball around, neither Miami nor Cincinnati could find a goal. However, in the last 10 minutes, things went downhill for the home side as Cincinnati finally broke the deadlock.
Midfielder Alvaro Barreal was able to give his side a narrow lead in the last moments of the match. Despite pushing all the buttons, the Argentine soccer legend and Inter Miami couldn’t clinch an equalizer, forcing the match to end in Cincinnati’s favor. Visibly, the Herons’ fans were upset about the situation. Here’s how they reacted.
Someone regrets losing his sleep over tonight’s game.
Shit club😭😭 I regret watching this game and not sleeping 😭
— 𝓞𝓵𝓪𝓶𝓲💎 (@_Olamilekan_1) October 8, 2023
It’s OVER for Miami.
It's over my brother!!!
— sizwe (@sizwe_tp) October 8, 2023
A fan goes brave and blames Lionel Messi!
MESSI LOST THE BALL AND THEY CONCEDED 😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Pasi (@Pasi_9000) October 8, 2023
Messi lost the ball, sub him off
— KΞLLY ケリー {💙,🧡} (@KingofDM_) October 8, 2023
A spicy taunt!
Small club
— M11 🇨🇷 (@m11_off) October 8, 2023
A fan claims that Inter Miami has gone to reset mode.
This team has gone back reset.
— Kelvin Ejiofor. (@Kelsteve15) October 8, 2023
Shots were fired at the Inter Miami defenders.
I can’t even count how many clear chances have been missed the past 2 games, crossbars, overhitting, it’s crazy. This defense can’t last more than 70 minutes. GASSED
— God Bless Balogun🇺🇸 (@Dunlop10Dunlop) October 8, 2023
The defenders are not helping only miller , gaddam it and the keeper is trying , the goal is all the defenders fault tf
— 𝕄𝕒𝕟 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕡𝕖𝕥𝕦𝕤 食 💨🦍 (@bahdmanpetus) October 8, 2023
Optimism, at its best!
If they would’ve gotten into the playoffs, Miami would’ve won the title with him. They’ll win it next year. They’re too good with the three of them.
— Mike Strzempka (@MStrzempka) October 8, 2023
Was this Tata Martino’s fault?
Can u clowns sack tata already
— Honest Ronaldo fan (@Honest_Ronaldo7) October 8, 2023
This Coach must be sack I swear to God😏😏😏He can’t just change formations just like playing FIFA Game 😡😡
— Guy Mor (@guymor2022) October 8, 2023
Quite a decent outlook to have when one is a soccer fan.
Finally the pain is over, I don’t have to watch anymore until next year
— Pablo Hernandez (@tlopontwittter) October 8, 2023
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Indeed, it is a poor loss for Inter Miami and a huge blow for their playoff hopes. Unfortunately, Lionel Messi and Co. won’t be able to rally more for the playoffs as their chances of qualifying have come to an end.
Dreamy playoff spots go blurry for Inter Miami
Following the loss, it’s evident that Miami’s playoff aspirations have come to an end. Even with Lionel Messi coming off the bench in the second half, the captain couldn’t turn the tide in his team’s favor. The defeat leaves them in 14th place with 33 points, seven points adrift of the playoff position.
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With just two games remaining, there is absolutely no chance for Tata Martino and his team to secure a playoff spot. Nevertheless, these last two matches, both against Charlotte, offer them an opportunity to improve their domestic standing before the MLS season concludes. It’s indeed a disappointing conclusion to what turned out to be a fantastic turnaround to Inter Miami’s journey in MLS.
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