Lionel Messi endured the heaviest defeat of his Major League Soccer (MLS) career on Saturday as Inter Miami slumped to a 4-1 loss against Minnesota United, marking a new low for the Argentine superstar since his arrival in North America.
Match Summary and Key Moments
- The match, played at Allianz Field, saw Minnesota United dominate from the outset. Bongokuhle Hlongwane opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after a slick move carved open Miami’s defense.
- Just before halftime, Anthony Markanich doubled the lead for Minnesota, heading home from a long throw-in, as Miami’s defensive frailties were once again exposed.
- Messi, who was deployed in a free role behind a packed midfield due to Luis Suárez’s injury, managed to pull one back early in the second half. He latched onto a Jordi Alba pass and finished clinically, offering a brief glimmer of hope for the visitors.
- However, any thoughts of a comeback were quickly dashed. In the 68th minute, Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt inadvertently turned a Minnesota corner into his own net, restoring the hosts’ two-goal cushion.
- Two minutes later, Robin Lod sealed the emphatic win for Minnesota with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Statistical Overview
- Despite enjoying 74% possession and outshooting Minnesota 10-5, Inter Miami managed only three shots on target and were repeatedly punished on transitions and set pieces.
- This defeat is Miami’s fourth in their last five matches across all competitions, a stretch in which they have conceded 14 goals.
- Messi’s goal was his fifth in eight league appearances this season, taking his overall tally to 43 goals and 23 assists in 53 matches for Inter Miami.
Reactions and Consequences
- Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, forced to make late tactical adjustments due to injuries, admitted his side failed to respond to threats they had specifically prepared for. “It’s a tough loss for us. We knew Minnesota could hurt us in transitions and set pieces, and they punished us in exactly the way we expected. That’s what worries me the most,” Mascherano said after the match.
- The defeat has raised concerns about Miami’s form and defensive organization, especially with Messi’s frustrations reportedly growing as the team struggles to meet heightened expectations.
- Despite the heavy loss, Inter Miami remain fourth in the Eastern Conference with 21 points from 11 games, while Minnesota United climb to second in the West.
Looking Ahead
Inter Miami will need to regroup quickly as they seek to halt their alarming slump and restore confidence in a squad built around Messi’s star power.
The defeat serves as a stark reminder that even with one of football’s greatest players, success in MLS requires collective resilience and tactical discipline.
