Lionel Messi’s return not enough as Inter Miami eliminated from MLS playoff contention

Lionel Messi made his return to the pitch Saturday night for Inter Miami, but his second-half appearance off the bench wasn’t enough to prevent the club from losing 1-0 at home to FC Cincinnati. With the loss, Inter Miami is officially eliminated from playoff contention with two matches remaining. Here’s what you need to know:

Messi subbed into the match in the 55th minute, replacing defender Tomás Avilés.
The 36-year-old hadn’t played since Sept. 20 with what Inter Miami manager Tata Martino described as “fatigue,” according to a team spokesperson. Inter Miami…