MLS
When do Messi’s Inter Miami play next after MLS playoff hopes ended?
Lionel Messi returned for Inter Miami on Saturday, but the Herons saw their postseason hopes dashed as Cincinnati ran out 1-0 winners at DRV PNK Stadium.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered bitter disappointment on Saturday, as the Herons’ defeat to Cincinnati ended their hopes of an MLS playoff place.
Messi returns as Miami beaten in Florida
Having missed Miami’s last three MLS games, Messi returned from injury in the second half at DRV PNK Stadium, but was unable to prevent Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s men from suffering a 1-0 loss to the Supporters’ Shield winners.
The reverse leaves Miami seven points off the Eastern Conference’s playoff spots, with just two regular-season games still to play.
With an international break now coming up, Miami will have a few days to reflect on their failure to finish among the top nine in the East, and begin laying the foundations for a playoff push in the 2024 MLS campaign.
Messi missed as Miami falter
After setting off on a 12-game unbeaten run following Messi’s July debut for the franchise - a streak that saw the Floridians win the Leagues Cup - Miami’s dependence on the Argentine was in evidence when he was sidelined by a scar-tissue problem late last month.
In addition to seeing their late-season playoff charge peter out in Messi’s absence, Miami were also beaten in the US Open Cup final 10 days ago, going down 2-1 to the Houston Dynamo despite holding home advantage.
Now, as they close out their MLS regular season, Miami face a double header against a Charlotte side still in the hunt for an Eastern Conference playoff berth.
When is Inter Miami’s next game?
The first of Inter Miami’s two games against Charlotte is to be played at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday 18 October, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm ET/5pm PT.
You can stream Inter Miami vs Charlotte live on AppleTV.
Host of Miami players absent
Miami boss Martino will be missing a number of players who will still be away on international duty at that point - including Messi. Along with Facundo Farías, the 36-year-old is in the Argentina squad that is to face Peru in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on 18 October.
What’s more, Drake Callender and Benjamin Cremaschi have been called up by the USMNT for this month’s international games, which include a friendly against Ghana on the day of the Charlotte clash.
Video - Peso Plumas among stars at DRV PNK to see Messi return:
