Messi Rejoins Inter Miami After Argentina Farewell as MLS Playoff Race Heats Up
Lionel Messi is back in Florida after ending his Argentina return with a goal and two assists in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old converted a penalty and created two further goals in an emotional appearance before his home crowd. He has now rejoined Inter Miami as coach Kily Gonzalez prepares his side for the decisive final seven matches of the MLS regular season.
Miami’s playoff race resumes on Saturday
Inter Miami return to league action on Saturday when D.C. United travel to Nu Stadium. Messi’s readiness will be closely watched after the long trip from Argentina, with Miami needing results to protect their position in the Eastern Conference.
The Herons sit third with 46 points from 27 matches, level on points with second-placed New England. Nashville lead the conference by 14 points.
A finish inside the top seven would send Miami straight into the Best-of-3 playoff round. Dropping below that line would leave Gonzalez’s team facing the added danger of a wild-card match.
Messi leads MLS in goals and assists
Miami’s push is being driven by Messi’s extraordinary league output. He is first in the MLS scoring race with 21 goals and also leads the assist table with 13.
His 150 shots on target are another league-best mark, well ahead of Milan Iloski’s 105. Miami will look to that cutting edge immediately against D.C. United as the race for direct postseason qualification tightens.
