Lionel Messi returns for Inter Miami’s final MLS match of 2023 – doing so highlights his commitment despite playoff disappointment
The Argentine has no real reason to play on Saturday, but the fact that he is willing to do so speaks volumes
Realistically, there’s no good reason for Lionel Messi to be on the field in Saturday’s Inter Miami season finale against Charlotte FC. It’s one of the few games in the forward’s career that really won’t carry any meaning, at least for his team. Inter Miami cannot make the playoffs, no matter the result. Their season ends Saturday, win, lose or draw.
Despite that, Messi himself seems to see some good reason to be involved at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night. He said as much while on international duty with Argentina. He intends to play, he said, even if his side can’t change their fate.
Call it pride, call it competitiveness, call it a sense of duty… call it whatever, but Messi opting to, at the very least, be there says something about him. The easy move would be to sit this one out, spend some time with family, maybe rehab ahead of a return to Argentina duty this month.
Messi, though, doesn’t see it that way, and that’ll mean something to Inter Miami, and to Charlotte FC as well.
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