Lionel Messi endured his most painful night in Major League Soccer as Inter Miami suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Minnesota United on Saturday at Allianz Field.
The Argentine legend, who did find the net in the second half, was unable to prevent another poor defensive display from his team. This marks Inter Miami’s fourth loss in their last five matches across all competitions — a worrying stretch where they’ve conceded 14 goals.
With striker Luis Suárez sidelined by injury, coach Javier Mascherano fielded a midfield-heavy system, leaving Messi to roam freely without a traditional forward ahead of him. That tactical shift didn’t seem to help, as Miami’s back line was again too easy to break down.
Minnesota’s opener came in the 32nd minute when Bongokuhle Hlongwane slotted home after a smart sequence involving Joaquín Pereyra and Carlos Harvey. Miami’s defenders were caught off guard by a quick pass into the box, giving Hlongwane space to finish comfortably.
Messi showed a glimpse of his usual brilliance a few minutes later, creating space in a crowded box and taking a low shot — though it didn’t trouble the goalkeeper. Just before halftime, Minnesota struck again. A long throw by Michael Boxall was flicked on by Nicolas Romero, allowing Anthony Markanich to head in at the far post.
Three minutes after the break, Messi gave Miami some hope, linking up with Jordi Alba to score with a precise touch and finish that cut the deficit in half. But the home team responded quickly and effectively.
Tani Oluwaseyi directed a corner toward goal, only for Miami’s Marcelo Weigandt to accidentally deflect it into his own net. Then, Oluwaseyi held off defender Noah Allen to set up Robin Lod, who calmly side-footed Minnesota’s fourth from the edge of the area.
Mascherano noted that a late migraine for Fafa Picault forced last-minute changes to the lineup, further complicating his game plan.
“It’s a tough loss for us. We knew Minnesota could hurt us in this way, in transitions, on set pieces, and they hurt us in (exactly) the way we had prepared for the game and that’s what worries me the most,” he said.
“If the players drop their levels, clearly the responsibility falls on me. All on me. If the coach does not convince them or transmit what he is looking for, all the responsibility falls on the coach.”
