Messi, Inter Miami shift focus to NYCFC after bitter tournament exit Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are turning their attention back to Major League Soccer following a disappointing exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup. The club was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw against a rival team, with the away goals rule sealing their fate. Messi, who scored his 900th career goal in the second leg of the tournament, is now set to return to MLS action with a crucial matchup against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, March 22. The Argentine superstar is expected to play in the match, having recovered from a minor injury, before joining the national team for two friendlies in Argentina later this month. Despite his recent goal against Nashville, Inter Miami’s offense has struggled this season, with Messi contributing four of the club’s seven goals across all competitions. The team’s reliance on his scoring has left other players, including striker German Berterame, Tadeo Allende, and Luis Suarez, without a goal in their respective appearances. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the team’s scoring woes, emphasizing the need for collective improvement. “Beyond having Leo — who always delivers an incredible number of goals, whether by scoring them himself or providing assists — we need the rest of the team to start scoring and contributing to those numbers as well,” Mascherano said. He added that the team is working hard to address this issue, calling the recent tournament exit a setback that must be overcome through focus on the league. The club’s struggles are compounded by key injuries, with players like De Paul, Maxi Falcon, and Sergio Reguilón sidelined for the upcoming match against NYCFC.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup #new_york_city_fc #yankee_stadium
