Inter Miami had a chance to recover from their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal heartbreak by climbing to the top of the Major League Soccer (MLS) table. However, Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano’s side have instead plunged further into decline in America’s top-tier club competition. Despite a goal from the Argentine captain, the Florida-based club suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Minnesota United.
Playing at Minnesota’s Allianz Field, Inter Miami dominated possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third. Without Luis Suárez—absent due to personal reasons—Miami controlled 74% of the ball but struggled with finishing. They conceded twice in each half, with Messi’s goal doing little more than reducing the margin.
Minnesota took the lead in the 32nd minute through Bongokuhle Hlongwane. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Anthony Markanich doubled the advantage. Messi pulled one back just three minutes into the second half (48’), but any hopes of a comeback quickly faded.
In the 68th minute, Marcelo Weigandt inadvertently put the ball into his own net, giving Minnesota a 3-1 lead. Just two minutes later, Robin Lod hammered the final nail in the coffin, sealing a comprehensive victory for Minnesota and leaving Miami with no momentum to recover.
Coach Javier Mascherano made four substitutions for Inter Miami after the break, but they failed to change the team’s fortunes. The result is a concerning one for Miami, who have now lost four of their last five matches across all competitions. It also marks their heaviest defeat since Lionel Messi’s arrival in 2023—a humiliating setback for “Las Garzas.”
With this loss, Inter Miami have dropped to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. They have 21 points from 11 matches, including six wins. Above them, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew both sit on 25 points, while Philadelphia Union holds third with 23—each having played one more game than Miami.
UA / TDS
