The Mets faced a crucial game against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field, with both teams fighting for playoff positioning—San Diego aiming to clinch the NL West and the Mets trying to secure their wild card spot amid a recent eight-game losing streak.

Juan Soto, a highly regarded power hitter and plate discipline expert with multiple All-Star and Silver Slugger awards, is a key figure in baseball and played a pivotal role in the Nationals' 2019 World Series victory.

Soto made headlines at Citi Field by debuting a new hairstyle with cornrows, which quickly went viral on Instagram, adding a boost to team morale ahead of the critical matchup.

The Mets ended their eight-game losing streak last Sunday with a walk-off home run from Pete Alonso against the Texas Rangers, providing a much-needed morale boost.

With only 12 games remaining in the season, the Mets' playoff hopes hinge on their upcoming performances, and Soto's new look is seen as a potential psychological edge and morale booster.

The Mets' remaining schedule includes back-to-back home series against the Padres and Nationals, followed by away games against the Cubs and Marlins, making the road to the postseason particularly challenging.

The Padres are in a strong position in the NL West, potentially clinching a playoff spot as early as Friday, and currently hold the second division slot.

The Mets are in the final NL Wild Card spot but face close competition from the Diamondbacks, Reds, and Giants, all within two games behind.

Beyond his skills, Juan Soto's charisma and presence are believed to positively influence team energy and fan morale during this critical playoff push.

The Mets narrowly avoided postseason elimination during their recent losing streak, which was their longest since 2018, highlighting the importance of their upcoming games.

The game between the Mets and Padres was scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Citi Field in Queens, adding to the anticipation of this pivotal matchup.