Lionel Messi wasn’t at his usual best in Inter Miami’s last MLS game of the season and fans on social media have found clips of the No. 10 throughout the game that show he might’ve not been amused of playing while already being eliminated from playoff contention.
Viral clip shows Messi walking around the pitch vs. Charlotte FC
Inter Miami travelled to North Carolina this past weekend ahead of the last match of their 2023 MLS Season against Charlotte FC. The closure to a historic season.
Gameday in the Queen City ️#CLTvMIA | 6PM ET | #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/8AhwLHnm4d
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 21, 2023
However, much of the excitement in Bank of America Stadium for the last match day in the MLS regular season came mainly from Charlotte and its fans, as this last match meant nothing more than a friendly for a playoff-hopeless Inter Miami.
Messi’s Inter Miami came into the game without much to play for and without the possibility of qualifying for the MLS Playoffs — a possibility that faded away after their loss against FC Cincinnati two weeks ago. Miami were eliminated from postseason soccer with two games left to play.
Inter Miami have been eliminated from MLS Cup playoff contention. pic.twitter.com/lQAzfNlafy
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 8, 2023
A lackluster MLS season for the current Leagues Cup champions.
As explained, the match meant nothing for Inter Miami and Messi, who for one, showed that he was probably thinking about where to go on vacation rather than actually trying to win the game last Saturday.
Viral clips on social media have shown the Argentine nonchalantly walking around the last half of the pitch for Miami, showing no real effort in pressing, looking or asking for the ball.
@callen_fergie Scenes in Charlotte today #pessi ♬ Pessi song album - Ronaldo Goat
Was this actually an unbothered, playoff-less Messi or just another case of him scanning the pitch for spaces?
Whatever the case might’ve been, walking and floating around the pitch didn't do much for Messi in Charlotte. The No. 10 didn’t score or assist and only registered one shot on target in the full 90 minutes for a 6.9 overall rating in the Herons 1-0 loss.
Though, much of the ‘hangover’ from the loss and end to the season for Miami didn’t mean much for Messi who must be eager to enjoy his four month recess from MLS. He attended an Ed Sheeran concert with his family in Miami last Monday.
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Messi filming Mateo watching Ed Sheeran pic.twitter.com/muwWB9yqbt
— MC (@CrewsMat10) October 23, 2023
See you in February, Messi.
