It looks like Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami in their season finale.
After speculation that the Argentine could’ve played his last game of the year for Miami against FC Cincinnati, Messi looks set to play for the Herons one more time before the 2023 Major League Soccer season ends.
Speaking with TYC Sports Messi confirmed his plans to train then play in Miami’s upcoming match against Charlotte FC, and hopes to be in top form for Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers in November: “I will train, I will play [in the match against Charlotte FC] that is coming up now, and I will try to arrive in the best possible way for [Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers in November] if I can be there again.”
Inter Miami will end the MLS regular season on October 21st against Charlotte. The Herons failed to make the playoffs despite a Leagues Cup title run that saw them outscore opponents 22 to 11 in the summer.
Due to Messi’s injury, Miami’s attack subsequently fizzled, which saw them lose the good form they cultivated over the last few months.
Messi is ready to end the season on a high note
The 2023 season was bittersweet for Miami, as the club hopes that next year will be a different story.
Although they won silverware, the failure to make the playoffs put a damper on a rather jovial year.
With Messi set to play in the Heron’s last game of the year, many Miami fans hope that the Argentine can give them something to cheer for heading into 2024.
The season finale against Charlotte will be important, as head coach Tata Martino will tinker tactically and switch out personnel to see who should stay with the team next year.
All in all, Inter Miami should consider this season as a success. The club won its first trophy and managed to sign the best player of all time.
As they pivot towards the highly anticipated 2024 season, the Herons will look to continue their winning ways.