End of season for Miami and Messi: Shaqiri is worried about the play-offs with Chicago

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Setback in the play-off battle for Xherdan Shaqiri and Chicago Fire. After two wins in a row, they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Charlotte. In the penultimate match of the season, the Nati attacker’s team performed poorly. And when it comes to the playoffs, his fate is no longer in his own hands.

Before the final game of the season, Chicago is in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and has 40 points, the same number as the previously ranked New York Red Bulls and DC United. Montreal is in 8th place with 41 points. Charlotte is also lurking in 12th place, with 39 points and two games to go. Chicago is not only dependent on what the competition does in the last spurt of the season – except for DC United, everyone has at least one more game – but also has to win the last game (October 21 away against New York City). Although even a draw could theoretically be enough. However, the play-off chance would then be minimal.

Bankruptcy with Messi’s comeback

For superstar Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the dream of participating in the play-offs has already been shattered. During the comeback of the recently injured world champion, Miami lost 0-1 to FC Cincinnati and therefore suffered an early knockout in the race for a ticket to the final round.

Messi, who has missed the last four league games with an injury, kept a low profile after being substituted in the 55th minute. He misses two chances with a free kick.

“You could see that he lacked rhythm, but that makes sense given the rest,” said Miami coach Gerardo Martino: “Everything is going well with the injury, he has no more problems.”

Rooney takes his hat

Meanwhile, former England striker Wayne Rooney has announced his resignation as coach of DC United. The 37-year-old is dealing with the consequences of missing the play-offs. ‘It’s the right time. “I did everything I could to get the club into the play-offs,” said Rooney, whose team had to watch despite a 2-0 win against New York City in the hot phase of the season.

Thanks to a four-pack from former Schalke player Teemu Pukki, Minnesota United can continue to dream of the play-offs. The Finn excelled in the 5:2 (2:1) win against Los Angeles Galaxy with his goals of the season seven to ten. Minnesota currently sits in tenth place in the Western Conference, one point behind the pre-playoff spots. (AFP/bir)

Source : Blick