Lionel Messi before an Inter Miami match
AFP

Inter Miami's dream of a miraculous playoff run is no more. Despite moving in that direction following Lionel Messi's arrival, his absence due to injury in a series of key matches proved too difficult to overcome. One win, two ties and two losses during that period all but quashed its chances, leaving it with no option than winning three in a row and hoping other results went their way.

That didn't happen. A 0-1 defeat against Cincinnati at home (with Messi on the pitch for the last 40 minutes) effectively ended Inter Miami's chances of making it to the post-season, meaning that the Argentine star will have a long period of inactivity in the MLS.

However, there are still two matches left, one of them in Miami, and many tickets still available. According to resale website Viagogo, the cheapest tickets for the match against Charlotte FC on October 18, those behind one of the goals, are going for $69, with most other locations going for between $100 and $200. On the other end of the spectrum, seats at pitch level are selling for at least $1,490, and two special tickets are being sold for an eye-popping $12,078.

However, there's a catch. Messi has travelled to Argentina for a new round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with the Argentine national team, and chances are he won't make it back in time for the Miami match. The second and last game of the Qualifiers will take place in Peru on October 17, meaning the Argentine would have to skip it in order to make it on time. And considering his very public love for wearing the Albiceleste, it's highly unlikely that will happen.

Nonetheless, tickets are also available for the last game of the season, a rematch against Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, October 21. Same as in Miami, most tickets are being sold for between $100 and $200 Messi's Argentina schedule doesn't overlap with that match, meaning he could play if there are no extra-match inconveniences.

Despite the lack of official matches, Inter Miami is scheduling several friendlies. One has already been confirmed with Messi's childhood team, Newell's Old Boys, for February, while Infobae reported that another one could be against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.

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