Tata Martino claims Inter Miami’s playoff hopes are reduced without Lionel Messi amid Barcelona trade rumors

It is no surprise that Lionel Messi is a great asset to whichever team he plays for. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner showed the world how big of a difference he can make when he joined David Beckham’s Inter Miami in July 2023. Inter Miami had a remarkable time under Messi’s guidance, but they have landed in a tough spot after he got injured last month. Club coach Tata Martino has talked about his club’s chances to qualify for the playoffs.

Rumours of the former Barcelona player making a return to Camp Nou are also spreading. There is a chance that Messi may come back to the 2022–23 La Liga champions in 2024. Fans are filled with joy at the thought of seeing their G.O.A.T. in a Barcelona jersey once again.

Tata Martino talks about Lionel Messi’s absence

Inter Miami is having a bad stint. The club has not seen a victory since their star player, Lionel Messi, got injured on September 21 in a 4-0 victory over Toronto. Since then, the club has played four matches but failed to win any of them. They even faced a 2-1 defeat in the US Open Cup final. The club’s chances to qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card match were thin, and the line is starting to fade over time.

Lionel Messi
Credits: CNN

Inter Miami currently holds the 14th position on the league table with 33 points. They need to fight to get to the 9th spot if they want to qualify for the playoffs. Miami only has three matches remaining, and they have to get ahead of CF Montreal, who is in the ninth position with 38 points and two games left.

Lionel Messi
Credits: CNN

In a recent interview, Tata Martino talked about his club’s position and their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, saying that he is left with sadness and has no control over the club’s destiny. “The chances where the situation depended on us are over. Now, there are slim chances, but we no longer have full control. I am left with the sadness that our chances are fading. We no longer have control over our destiny,” he said.

Lionel Messi likely to make FC Barcelona return for one reason

Since Lionel Messi was pushed to the sidelines due to a muscle injury, Inter Miami’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs have shrunk. If Inter Miami fails to qualify for the Eastern Conference playoffs, there is a chance that the 36-year-old might return to the club where he spent 17 years.

Lionel Messi
Credits: The Athletic

Lionel Messi left Barcelona in June 2021 due to the salary cap rule. Talks of the Argentine joining his former club surfaced once again after his contract at PSG expired in January 2023, but the transfer fell apart due to some financial issues. Fans are once again given hope of seeing Messi at his old club but we have not yet received any statement regarding this issue from the player or the club.

Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona will be highly beneficial for the club, but nothing can be said about the transfer so we will have to wait for an official statement.

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