MLS pundit slams “embarrassing” players asking for Messi jersey

FC Cincinnati’s quest for a first MLS Cup ended on Sunday night, suffering a chastening 4-0 home loss to Inter Miami.

Cincy had finished level on points with Miami during the regular season but were completely outclassed in the Eastern Conference semifinal, failing to lay a glove on the Herons. Lionel Messi was at the heart of the Miami win, scoring and providing two assists for his team.

After the game, multiple Cincinnati players approached Messi and appeared to ask for his jersey. It has been a common sight during Messi’s time in MLS but the circumstances around Cincinnati’s poor showing have led some to question players.

Apple TV analyst and former player Kaylyn Kyle had some harsh words for Cincinnati, saying: “You’re at home, at TQL Stadium, you’ve just been pummeled 4-0 by Inter Miami. And you’re asking to trade jerseys with Lionel Messi?”

“I understand that he’s one of the world’s greatest but you should be embarrassed by that performance. Your fans show up week in, week out, and you’re asking for the jersey of someone who’s just beaten you 4-0.”

She continued: “It’s embarrassing, it’s not good enough from FC Cincinnati.”

Kyle’s comments were forceful but the sentiment will be shared by many Cincinnati fans who have seen another promising season come up short in the postseason. Cincy have finished in the top three in the Eastern Conference in each of the last three seasons but are yet to reach MLS Cup.

Superstar Evander put together another stellar regular season but came up short in the postseason, failing to score in any of his team’s four playoff games. Sunday’s loss will be a major frustration for the Cincinnati hierarchy and could even start to increase the pressure on head coach Pat Noonan as the team continues to wait for a first-ever trophy.

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