Messi's return to Inter Miami turns out to be a very big disappointment

Due to an injury and the recent international break, Messi missed five of Inter Miami's last six matches, during which the Florida club struggled. The desired step up wasn't made, thus a lot of pressure was on the home game against Cincinnati.

Messi made his return to the team in the 55th minute, with DeAndre Yedlin and Sergio Busquets already on the pitch. However, a late goal by Álvaro Barreal sealed the fate of Inter Miami, which, due to the defeat, can no longer reach the top nine of the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami still has two matches against Charlotte FC this season, but is seven points behind ninth-place DC United. Last season, Inter Miami did make it to the playoffs. The season was not entirely unsuccessful. Messi won the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami and reached the final of the US Open Cup. Messi ultimately did not participate in the final against Houston Dynamo and Inter Miami was defeated 1-2.