Messi's return fails to rescue Inter Miami as Cincinnati dash their MLS playoffs hopes

 Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's playoff hopes were dashed after a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

 Argentine striker Alvaro Barreal proved to be Cincinnati's hero when he scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute.

 Messi, who made his long-awaited return from a leg injury that has kept him out since September 20, came on as a substitute in the 55th minute. However, despite their presence, Inter Miami (9-17-6, 33 points) was unable to find the net, thus being eliminated from the playoffs.

 With other results going against them, Miami now sits bottom of the Eastern Conference, seven points off the final playoff spot  with just two games remaining.  FC Cincinnati (20-5-8, 68 points) continued its remarkable season, adding to its already impressive campaign by winning the Supporters' Shield to cap off a strong regular season record best  in the tournament.

 Despite controlling 61.6% of the match, Inter Miami still had difficulty converting opportunities into goals,  only having 2 shots on target after 16 attempts. In a scoreless first half, they came  close  three times, hitting the woodwork thanks to efforts from Tomas Aviles, Josef Martinez and Benjamin Cremaschi.

 The introduction of Messi added style to Miami's attack, but his direct free kick in the 59th minute went over the crossbar.

 FC Cincinnati finally broke through when Barreal took advantage of a blocked shot by Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, scoring his fifth goal of the season.  Despite Messi's late efforts, including a left-footed shot and two late fouls near the box, Cincinnati held on for the win, ending Miami's playoff ambitions.

 The loss marked another setback for Inter Miami, who were in good form after winning the Leagues Cup in August. However, without Messi's magic, their season has taken a turn. Otherwise, they lost the US Open Cup final and were eliminated from the tournament play-offs.

 As Messi faces an international call-up for Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Miami's final two matches, both against Charlotte, may offer some consolation, but the road ahead The front is still uncertain for the team.

 On a related note, D.C. Wayne Rooney's  United saw their playoff hopes dashed despite a 2-0 win over New York City FC in their final game of the season.