Inter Miami could have recovered from their CONCACAF Champions League semi-final defeat to become the table toppers in Major League Soccer (MLS). But Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano’s team are on the verge of further decline in the top flight of American club football. Despite a goal from the Argentine captain, the Florida club were utterly devastated by Minnesota United.
Inter Miami dominated the match at the opponent’s stronghold, Allianz Field. The difference in possession between the two teams was huge. Without Luis Suarez, Miami struggled with finishing despite having 74 percent of the ball. The visitors conceded two goals in both halves. Messi’s goal only reduced the margin of defeat. Host Minnesota defeated Miami by a large margin of 4-1.
Former Uruguayan star Suarez was absent from the match for personal reasons. Miami also felt his absence in attack, and the game was rhythmless despite having the ball at their feet most of the time. Miami conceded two goals before Messi scored at the beginning of the second half (48) to reduce the gap. Bangakuhle Longwane gave Minnesota its first lead in the 32nd minute. Anthony Markanich doubled the gap in the second minute of added time in the first half.
After the break, the gap was reduced to 2-1, but it didn’t take long for Miami to fall further behind. In the face of Minnesota’s attack, Marcelo Wigandt put the ball in his own net in the 68th minute. And that’s where Messi-Albad Miami’s comeback mentality was hit. A couple of minutes later, Robin Lode put the final nail in the coffin of their defeat. His strike ended Minnesota’s big win and Miami’s strength to stand up.
Coach Mascherano made four changes to Miami after the break. But they could not change their fate. This is a very worrying result for Miami. Mascherano’s team has lost four of its five matches in recent competitions. In addition, La Garzas suffered their biggest defeat since Messi’s arrival in 2023.
With this loss, Miami has dropped to fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference points table. They have 21 points from 6 wins in 11 matches. The top three, who have played one match more, are FC Cincinnati (25), Columbus Crew (25) and Philadelphia Union (23), respectively.
