Lionel Messi’s disappointment mounted as Inter Miami’s unfortunate streak continued with a 3-0 defeat at home against Orlando City in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The loss in the Florida derby on Sunday leaves Miami with only one victory in their previous seven matches across all tournaments.
They have dropped to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, allowing Orlando to surpass them.
Messi managed only two attempts on goal and misfired a free-kick as both his performance and that of the team declined.
“Now, we’ll really find out if we are a team during challenging times, because it’s quite simple when things are going smoothly,” Messi shared with Apple TV.
“When adversity strikes, that’s when we need to come together more than ever, genuinely act as a team, and regain our strength,” he stated further.
Messi voiced his concerns about the officiating, but in reality, the defeat was less about the refereeing and more about appalling defensive work, a fragmented midfield, and a powerless offense spearheaded by a fading Luis Suarez.
Orlando took the lead in the 43rd minute with a goal of remarkable ease.
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese sent the ball deep, and Luis Muriel sprinted ahead and finished past Oscar Ustari.
The visitors capitalized on direct plays against a bewildered Miami defense. Argentine Martin Ojeda had a clear chance but missed the target entirely.
Miami’s experienced keeper Ustari managed a notable double save, but soon after, the 38-year-old was at fault for Orlando’s second goal.
Read also:
- Messi’s dream shattered as Inter Miami crashes out of Concacaf Champions Cup
- Messi’s Miami stunned as LAFC snatch CONCACAF Champions Cup victory
- Messi fined after grabbing opposition Coach’s neck in heated MLS clash
The ball reached Marco Pasalic at the edge of the penalty area, and his low shot slipped through the hands and legs of Ustari, doubling Orlando’s advantage.
Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano introduced offensive players in a desperate attempt to salvage the game, yet it proved futile.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Duncan McGuire surged down the left flank, and his low cross was tapped in by Icelandic striker Dagur Thorhallsson, capping off a commendable showing from the visitors.
Miami has allowed 20 goals over their last seven matches, with their sole win occurring against the New York Red Bulls on May 3.
Mascherano stated that the first goal shifted the momentum of the match.
“I’d say for 25 or 30 minutes, we had the game completely under control in the opponent’s half, but that’s how things are, clearly. I won’t disregard the final score,” he explained.
Miami’s MLS season was progressing well until their elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Mascherano acknowledged that the team’s spirit had taken a hit.
