The Herons are in 13th spot in the Eastern Conference with two wild card playoff places available.
Paul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Oct 3rd, 2023 18:23 EDT
CARMEN MANDATOAFP
Inter Miami have now played a total of more than 330 minutes without Leo Messi on the pitch, which roughly equates to more than three and a half games. Discomfort in the hamstring muscle as a result of fatigue and a heavy fixture load has meant that the Florida side are missing their star player at a key moment in the season.
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According to reports, Messi will be absent for the match against Chicago Fire on Wednesday but could reappear on the weekend game against Cincinnati. Depending on the outcome of the midweek round of MLS fixtures, Messi would return to an Inter Miami team with no mathematical chance of securing a wild card spot that would keep the season alive with the Herons currently having just four regular season games remaining (Chicago, Cincinnati and two games against Charlotte).
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Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on during a match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK StadiumCARMEN MANDATOAFP
If that were to happen, the club would be forced to have a rethink about player usage as thoughts would turn quickly to planning for the 2024 MLS season.
Coming for you, Chicago 🛫#CHIvMIA pic.twitter.com/mkn3BmgBXl
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 3, 2023
The new Inter Miami
Despite having reached two finals in the few months that the new Inter Miami project has been underway, the team and performances in MLS leave much room for improvement.
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Benjamin Cremaschi #30 of Inter Miami CFMEGAN BRIGGSAFP
