Messi scores but Inter Miami suffer 4-1 thrashing by Minnesota in worst MLS defeat

Lionel Messi endured the heaviest defeat of his Major League Soccer career on Saturday as Inter Miami slumped to a 4-1 loss against Minnesota United. Despite finding the net in the second half, the Argentine icon was unable to prevent a fourth defeat in five matches for Miami—a dismal run during which they have shipped 14 goals.

With Luis Suárez sidelined through injury, Miami head coach Javier Mascherano opted to start without a recognised striker, deploying Messi in a free role behind a five-man midfield. However, the tactical adjustment failed to pay dividends as Minnesota capitalised on defensive lapses.

The hosts took the lead in the 32nd minute through Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who was set up by Carlos Harvey after a clever pass from Joaquín Pereyra carved open Miami’s back line. Messi, largely quiet in the opening stages, managed his first real effort just minutes later, but his low strike failed to trouble the goalkeeper.

Minnesota doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time when a long throw from Michael Boxall was flicked on by Nicolas Romero and nodded home by Anthony Markanich at the far post.

Messi briefly reignited hope for the visitors shortly after the interval. The 36-year-old latched onto a pass from Jordi Alba inside the box, controlling it with a typically deft first touch before dispatching a clinical finish to reduce the deficit.

But Minnesota swiftly reasserted their dominance. A Tani Oluwaseyi header from a corner was inadvertently turned into his own net by Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt. The lively Oluwaseyi then held off Noah Allen to feed Robin Lod, who made no mistake with a composed side-footed finish from the edge of the area.

Mascherano admitted his game plan had been disrupted after stand-in forward Fafa Picault was ruled out before kick-off due to a migraine. The former Argentina and Barcelona midfielder expressed frustration at his team’s failure to respond to threats they had specifically prepared for.

“It’s a tough loss for us,” Mascherano said. “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.”

He accepted full responsibility for the performance. “If the players drop their levels, clearly the responsibility falls on me. If the coach does not convince them or transmit what he is looking for, it’s all on the coach.”