Las Garzas faced a 1-0 defeat against FC Cincinnati, leaving them without any mathematical path to the next round of the competition.
On matchday 37 of the MLS 2023 season, Inter Miami was edged by FC Cincinnati 0-1 at the DVR PNK Stadium. The result sealed their fate, extinguishing any chance to advance to the playoffs and compete for the title.
The Herons hoped to capitalize on Lionel Messi’s arrival to surge from the bottom of the standings into a position that would allow progression to the knockout stages. Instead, they must wait and watch on Decision Day as spectators at best.
Cincinnati extended a run of four winless games, with two draws and a couple of losses. The visitors could have brought Messi into the action, as he appeared in the 55th minute after a two-week absence. The captain delivered little action beyond a few free kicks and a collision with Santiago Arias, leaving the field underwhelmed after a short cameo.
The Argentinian talisman sparked a moment of emotion as Álvaro Barreal found the net, marking what proved to be the only goal of the match in Fort Lauderdale as he secured a memorable moment in a difficult season for his team.
Messi’s return to the field marked a notable milestone after a stretch of inactivity, signaling a renewed wave of attention around Inter Miami’s performances.
Inter Miami later confirmed a lineup that included Josef Martínez, highlighting the club’s ongoing attempt to recalibrate after additions and changes in the squad.
An attempt by Avilés struck the crossbar, signaling the thin margins that defined a match decided by a single decisive moment.
With Messi warming the bench this match, Inter Miami continued to shape their approach and pacing as the team pursued a path toward future opportunities.
The Cincinnati XI lined up in a balanced formation that emphasized organization and control, staying compact and executing on the few chances that came their way.
Leo Messi returns to the pitch after his layoff, and his presence remains a central talking point for fans and analysts alike as Inter Miami looks ahead to upcoming fixtures. The team will need to build on signs of improvement and translate them into results in the schedule that follows.
Notes from the match included a steady presence from Cincinnati in midfield, disciplined defending, and a decisive finish that made the difference on the scoreboard. The result underscored the reality of the campaign and the ongoing challenge for Inter Miami as they navigate a congested league calendar and the pressures of competing at the highest level in MLS. The game served as a reminder that a single goal can decide outcomes in a tightly contested league, especially when a team is pushing to climb the table and secure a playoff berth.
— End of the match summary with updates and retrospective considerations for Inter Miami and Cincinnati as the 2023 MLS season approached its conclusion. [Goal]