Inter Miami must take a risk with Lionel Messi’s fitness to save slim MLS playoff hopes
Unless their superstar’s mystery injury is serious, the club must seriously consider throwing him back into action with their season on the line
It’s not a hot take to say that, since the summer, we’ve seen two very distinct versions of Inter Miami: the one with Lionel Messi and the one without him. With Messi, Miami have been as unstoppable as the Argentine has been undeniable, turning the Herons into must-watch television. Without him though, woof…that’s a different team entirely.
For the past few weeks, Miami have reverted back to their old ways with Messi on the sidelines. A last-place quality team for much of the season, they haven’t quite been that bad in the games Messi has missed, but they’ve been close. Because of that, their playoff hopes hang by the thinnest of threads.
It was always going to take something spectacular for Miami to reach the postseason. Even with Messi, the road was going to be grueling. Having gone this time without him, though, it’s now out of their hands; Miami will need to win and need some help.
Questions still remain over Messi’s status. His injury has been shrouded in mystery as fans, week in and week out, await confirmation on the superstar’s fitness. However, Argentina have given us a clue that Messi may actually be closer to being 100 percent than many realized.
Because of that, Miami will need to make a decision this weekend against FC Cincinnati. The club will need to figure out if they can afford risking Messi or not in this upcoming match, with the playoffs very much on the line.
Sign up here for MLS Season Pass through Apple TV and watch every MLS match, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami!
