Messi may play as Inter Miami faces first real ‘must-win’ match Saturday against Cincinnati at DRV PNK Stadium
Herons fans shouldn’t give up hope — never say never — but definitely should face reality: the playoffs are slipping away.
By Ken Garner
![FC Cincinnati forward Dominique Badji holds the Supporters’ Shield, the MLS award for the team with the best regular-season record. FC Cincinnati forward Dominique Badji holds the Supporters’ Shield, the MLS award for the team with the best regular-season record.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4331,h_2436,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/502/01hc2ewq2w0j6vj640eb.jpg)
Inter Miami is one of seven teams vying for the final two playoff spots, but for the first time in 2023 the Herons face elimination from postseason contention. A loss to first-place FC Cincinnati would leave Miami with 33 points and two matches remaining (both against Charlotte). That means the most points Inter Miami could earn is 39.
All six teams immediately ahead of La Rosanegra can achieve 39 or more points with a win Saturday. The Herons’ playoff hopes are on thin ice, and the sun’s rising.