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

Besides the Miami-Cincinnati rematch, four games have significance Saturday: Charlotte at Chicago Fire (which just scorched the Herons 4-1); New York City FC at D.C. United (tie, please); Toronto at Red Bulls (c'mon you lowly Reds, rise up in the Meadowlands!), and Portland at Montreal (we desperately need a Portland win).
Here's a look at the positioning of the seven hopefuls heading into this weekend's matches. Seven teams, two spots (8th and 9th) in the playoffs. This may be what our British friends call "squeaky bum time," but you have to admit it's been fun. Vamos, La Rosanegra!
Position, team | Points, W-L-D | Games remaining |
---|---|---|
8. Chicago | 40 (10-12-10) | 2 |
9. Montreal | 38 (11-16-5) | 2 |
10. NYCFC | 38 (8-10-14) | 2 |
11. D.C. United | 37 (9-14-10) | 1 |
12. Red Bulls | 37 (9-13-10) | 2 |
13. Charlotte | 36 (8-11-12) | 3 |
14. Inter Miami | 33 (9-16-6) | 3 |