MLS Summary: Inter Miami Endures Stinging Loss Against Minnesota United, Despite Messi’s Presence

Lionel Messi experienced the most significant defeat of his MLS career on Saturday, as Inter Miami suffered a 4-1 setback against Minnesota United.

The Argentine star found the net in the second half; however, Miami’s defence was once again ineffective, marking their fourth loss in the last five matches across all competitions, during which they conceded a staggering 14 goals.

With Luis Suarez sidelined due to injury, Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, opted for a formation without a traditional target striker, allowing Messi to roam freely ahead of a five-man midfield.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane opened the scoring for Minnesota in the 32nd minute, capitalising on a clever pass from Joaquín Pereyra to Carlos Harvey, who assisted the South African striker inside the box.

Messi had his first meaningful attempt six minutes later, managing to create some space in a congested area, but his low shot with his right foot lacked power and precision.

Just before halftime, Minnesota extended their lead when a long throw from Michael Boxall was flicked on by Nicolas Romero, allowing Anthony Markanich to head in at the back post.

Three minutes after the break, Messi reduced the deficit by finishing brilliantly after being set up in the box by Jordi Alba, demonstrating his trademark first touch and lethal finish.

However, Minnesota quickly responded; Tani Oluwaseyi directed a corner towards goal, resulting in a deflection off Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt into his own net.

Oluwaseyi then showed his strength by holding off Noah Allen before passing it to Robin Lod, who made no mistake with a precise side-footed finish from the edge of the box.

Mascherano, the former Barcelona and Argentina midfielder, expressed disappointment over his team’s lack of response, especially after losing stand-in forward Fafa Picault to a migraine prior to the match. He acknowledged that the team had failed to adapt to a threat they had prepared for.

“Today’s loss is undoubtedly difficult for us. We were aware that Minnesota could exploit us during transitions and from set pieces, and unfortunately, they did exactly what we prepared for. That’s what concerns me the most,” he stated.

“Ultimately, if the players are not at their best, the responsibility lies with me. It’s all on me. If the coach fails to inspire or convey the desired tactics, then the burden falls squarely on the coach’s shoulders.“

In another match, the New York Red Bulls exacted their revenge on the Los Angeles Galaxy, who defeated them in last season’s MLS Cup final, with a staggering 7-0 victory.

The Galaxy have struggled to resemble the champions they once were, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with just three points from 12 matches.

Missing star midfielder Riqui Puig due to long-term injury, and unable to field wingers Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, Greg Vanney’s side suffered on the defensive end.

German forward Eric Choupa-Moting scored twice, while Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg contributed with a brace, including a stunning curling free-kick, as the Red Bulls demolished the struggling Galaxy defence.

In Philadelphia, local teenager Frankie Westfield thought he had given the Union a vital victory over Columbus Crew with a thunderous strike in the 64th minute, marking his first goal in MLS.

However, the Crew equalised in stoppage time courtesy of Sean Zawadski, resulting in a 2-2 draw and keeping their unbeaten away record intact.

The Crew currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, with the Union in third place and Miami in fourth. Cincinnati remain at the top of the East following a 2-1 win against Austin.