Inter Miami CF showcased their formidable skills with a dominant 4-1 victory over Houston Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium, marking their first win of the 2025 Major League Soccer season on Sunday night. This impressive win came as the team played without their superstar, Lionel Messi, who was rested to allow for recovery after a grueling start to the season.
Despite the absence of Messi, fans were treated to remarkable performances from other players, particularly Luis Suárez, who made his mark with not only one goal but also three assists, demonstrating his leadership on the field. New signing Telasco Segovia shone brightly with two first-half goals, complementing the overall team effort.
The match began with Segovia capitalizing on a defensive blunder by Houston, scoring just six minutes in. The moment stemmed from Obafemi Awodesu’s ill-timed pass, which deflected to Suárez. He quickly crossed it to Segovia, who did not hesitate to fire past Dynamo keeper Andrew Tarbell. This early goal set the tone for Miami’s attacking prowess.
To add to the tally, Tadeo Allende scored his first MLS regular-season goal with a stunning shot from tight angles, making it 2-0. Allende received the perfectly placed ball from Suárez during his high-speed run, firing it over Tarbell’s head to solidify Miami's lead.
Segovia struck again shortly after, netting his second goal right before halftime, making the score 3-0. This time, the play unfolded beautifully, with Yannick Bright stealing the ball at midfield, leading to Suárez's assist, demonstrating Miami's offensive cohesion and tactical advantage.
Houston Dynamo managed to find the scoresheet late in the match when Nicolás Lodeiro capitalized on a rebound from Inter Miami's goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, but it was too little too late. Ustari, along with the defense, had to remain alert throughout the game to thwart any attempts by Dynamo, but Lodeiro's strike, which came at the 85th minute, was the only bright spot for the home team.
After the match, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano explained the decision to rest Messi: "With respect to Leo, obviously we talked about it and I always say the same thing, there is no one, I don't know any player in the world who knows their body as Leo knows it. We thought it best to give him extra time to rest, especially after three games in six days," he remarked, indicating the strategy behind the team's decision-making.
Mascherano also praised Suárez's influence on the game, mentioning, "Everything he has done in football, he's one of the best five forward centers in the world in the last 10 years. It’s my privilege as a coach to train this type of player." This comment reflects Suárez’s importance not just as a player but as a mentor and leader within the team.
The victory lifts Inter Miami to four points after their opening match ended in a 2-2 draw against New York City FC. Their performance against Houston demonstrates the strength of their squad, even without their key player. The team now sets its eyes on upcoming challenges, including the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Cavalier FC.
On the other hand, the defeat continues to plague Houston Dynamo, who now face two consecutive losses at home. Coach Ben Olsen will need to address the team's defense, as errors and miscommunication have hampered their performance early this season, leaving them scoreless as they sit at the bottom of the MLS standings.
This match not only highlighted Inter Miami's capabilities but also raised questions for Houston Dynamo as they seek to restore their identity and performance on the field. The reminder about Messi’s absence, especially when fans expected to see him play, could serve only to heighten expectations for his return and the potential of Inter Miami with him back on the pitch.
The excitement surrounding Inter Miami continues to grow as they bookend this 4-1 victory by preparing for their next matches, including the eagerly anticipated clash against Wilfried Zaha's Charlotte FC on March 8, 2025. Fans can expect more thrilling soccer as they gather to support their teams.