Inter Miami Left Reeling After Another Blow: Lionel Messi's Absence Amplifies Crushing Defeat

Miami suffered a humbling setback in Major League Soccer on Wednesday, falling 4-1 to Chicago Fire. Unfortunately, their star player Lionel Messi was once again sidelined due to an injury. This defeat deals a significant blow to Miami's hopes of reaching the playoffs. To have any shot at advancing, they must now secure victories in all three of their remaining regular season matches.

Messi has been absent in the team's recent four matches, leaving a void that his team has been struggling to fill. In a statement last month, Miami manager Gerardo Martino mentioned that Messi was facing an issue with scar tissue from a previous injury.

Chicago secured a resounding victory with two goals from former English Premier League player Xherdan Shaqiri and a double from Maren Haile-Selassie. Miami managed to briefly rekindle hope in the first half with a penalty goal from Josef Martínez.

Martino appeared visibly frustrated as he spoke to journalists following the game, conceding that his team's hopes of reaching the playoffs now hinged on the misfortune of other competing teams.

Miami presently occupies the 14th position in the 15-team Eastern Conference division.

He expressed his sorrow on the MLS website, observing the diminishing prospects for success.

"Our fate is no longer in our hands. There is a small chance, but it is uncertain whether other outcomes could be advantageous for us."

"With the deterioration that the team has been experiencing in the last 15 days, I dont think the problem lies only in what our opponents are doing."

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino cut a frustrated figure after the match against Chicago Fire.

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In light of uncertainties surrounding Messi's participation in the match at Chicago's Soldier Field, the organizers made an enticing offer to encourage fans to attend.

Ahead of the game, the Chicago Fire announced that they would provide fans with a financial incentive. Supporters were given the choice of receiving a substantial $250 credit towards new memberships for the 2024 season or a more modest $50 credit if they were unable to purchase a membership for the upcoming year.

Inter Miami's boss Martino described the saga surrounding Messi's availability as strange.

"I comprehend the anticipation in Chicago, as well as in other locations, but if a player is unfit to compete, he simply cannot participate. It is impossible for us to force him to go out and play in any circumstance," he informed reporters.

It is quite peculiar, within the realm of global football, for a manager to be obligated to clarify to the opposing fans the absence of the world's finest player.

These circumstances occur solely due to him and our location in the United States.

"In no other place would the home fans be worried if the opposing teams best player wasnt playing."

Inter Miami will hope to get its season back on track when it faces FC Cincinnati on Sunday.