⚽️ The Herons Miss Out On The Playoffs

_{LAST MATCH: Miami 0 - Cincinnati 1}

_{NEXT MATCH: vs. Charlotte FC, Wednesday, October 18th, 8:00 PM EST}

_{WHERE TO WATCH: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV}

Good morning! Inter Miami’s playoff chances are over after losing 1-0 at home against FC Cincinnati.

At least Miami fans have 2024 to look forward to.

In the email today:

Inter Miami’s year ended in disappointment, failing to make the playoffs after a 1-0 loss against Cincinnati on Saturday night.

Miami's offensive performance remained uninspired until the 55th minute when Messi was brought on as a substitute.

Though he had moments of brilliance, the Argentine could only do so much as the Herons struggled to finish their chances despite having 62% possession.

As the club shifts focus to 2024, the team will need to re-tool the roster and build around the talents of Messi, Alba, and Busquets.

Additionally, the long off-season will give the players the chance to rest and recover ahead of a busy 2024 that includes participation in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

• 2023 didn’t end the way Miami planned.

• If the team implements rest, establishes a tactical identity, and overhauls the roster, next season could hold promise.

• Missing out on the playoffs is tough, but it was going to be difficult considering their poor early-season form.

Our take: 2023 will be a year to remember for Miami, but next season will be another opportunity to grow the club and gain silverware.

2) 🐐 Messi Returns to Field

Messi returned to action for Miami nearly three weeks after being substituted off the field with a hamstring injury during the team’s 4-0 win over Toronto FC.

The Argentine played well and had a couple of nifty moves that stumped the Cincinnati defense. Messi also had several free-kick opportunities that didn’t quite connect.

Though Miami lost, fans will be delighted that the 36-year-old has recovered from injury.

• Miami lost, but Messi played well despite the long injury layoff.

• The World Cup winner will now travel to Argentina to meet up with the national team.

• Miami will end the season playing Charlotte FC twice, first on October 18th, and again on October 21st.

Our take: Messi's return from injury was a welcomed sight. He looked spry, competitive and showed what he brings to Miami when he's on the pitch.

3) 🥷 Peso Pluma x Messi

4) 📊 Poll: Is Two Months Too Long?

Have additional thoughts? Reply directly to this email to comment, and see if we include your response tomorrow.

Results from our last poll Can Miami challenge for MLS Cup?

75% of you all said YES.

5) 🔗 Link Roundup:

• 🇬🇧 DC United and Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to go their separate ways.

• 😡 Kyle Walker loses his cool, goes after Arsenal medical staff after Manchester City’s 1-0.

• 👶 Benjamin Cremaschi has been called into the US Men’s Olympic Team training camp.

The newsletter today was written by: Alex Windley @aaw_1998

Thanks for reading! Catch you on the flip side!