Messi scores but Inter Miami suffer heavy 4-1 defeat to Minnesota United
Lionel Messi endured the heaviest loss of his MLS career as Inter Miami fell 4-1 to Minnesota United on Saturday.
Although Messi found the net in the second half, defensive errors plagued Miami, who have now lost four of their last five games across all competitions, conceding 14 goals during that stretch.
With Luis Suárez sidelined by injury, coach Javier Mascherano deployed Messi in a free role ahead of a five-man midfield, opting to play without a traditional striker. Minnesota capitalized on Miami’s defensive frailties, taking the lead in the 32nd minute when Carlos Harvey set up Bongokuhle Hlongwane with a well-timed pass.
Messi had a tame effort shortly after but came to life three minutes after the break, reducing the deficit with a clinical finish from Jordi Alba’s assist. However, Minnesota quickly regained control—Tani Oluwaseyi’s header deflected in off Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt for an own goal, before Oluwaseyi assisted Robin Lod for Minnesota’s fourth with a composed pass inside the box.
Mascherano, whose plans were further disrupted when stand-in forward Fafa Picault was ruled out with a migraine, expressed frustration with his team’s inability to respond to well-known threats.
“It’s a tough loss for us. We knew how Minnesota could hurt us—through transitions and set pieces—and they did exactly that. That’s what worries me the most,” said Mascherano. “If the players drop their level, it’s the coach’s responsibility. All on me.”
In other MLS action, the New York Red Bulls produced a statement performance with a 7-0 demolition of defending champions LA Galaxy. Eric Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg each scored twice as the Red Bulls avenged last season’s MLS Cup final defeat. The Galaxy, without injured key players including Riqui Puig, remain winless at the bottom of the Western Conference.
Elsewhere, a late goal from Sean Zawadski earned Columbus Crew a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union after local youngster Frankie Westfield had put the Union ahead with a stunning strike. The Crew sit second in the Eastern Conference, with Union third and Inter Miami fourth. Cincinnati maintained their position at the top with a 2-1 win over Austin.
