On a Saturday afternoon that Inter Miami CF would rather forget, the team suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Minnesota United, a result that sees them slide down the Eastern Conference standings. Despite holding 74 percent possession, the Herons struggled to convert their dominance into meaningful chances, falling victim to Minnesota's effective counter-attacking style.
The match, held on May 10, 2025, saw the Loons take an early lead with first-half goals from Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Anthony Markanich. Robin Lod added a third for Minnesota, while an own goal from Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt sealed the win for the home side. Lionel Messi managed to score for Miami, marking his 44th goal for the team, but he often appeared frustrated with his teammates' lack of support.
Inter Miami's manager, Javier Mascherano, defended his team's performance despite the heavy loss, stating, "I don’t think we were outplayed." This sentiment reflects a broader frustration within the team, as they have now lost four of their last five matches, conceding a staggering 13 goals in that stretch.
The absence of key players Fafa Picault and Luis Suárez due to injuries was palpable, leaving Miami with a diminished attacking threat. The Herons now find themselves with a record of just two wins in their last six MLS matches, a streak that has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Player ratings from the match illustrate the struggles faced by the team. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari received a rating of 5.3/10, while Weigandt's own goal contributed to his low score of 4.1/10. In contrast, Lionel Messi stood out with a rating of 8.3/10, showcasing his individual brilliance despite the team's overall poor performance. Other notable ratings included Sergio Busquets at 8.0/10, Yannick Bright at 7.6/10, and Jordi Alba at 6.8/10.
The upcoming match against the San Jose Earthquakes on May 14, 2025, presents an opportunity for Inter Miami to regroup and regain some momentum. Fans will be eager to see how the team responds after this setback, particularly with the potential return of injured players.
As the team prepares for the challenge ahead, Mascherano's comments suggest a belief in the squad's ability to bounce back. "We need to learn from this and come back stronger," he emphasized, signaling a commitment to improvement as the season progresses.
With Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami will look to harness their attacking potential more effectively and tighten their defensive unit against the Earthquakes. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for the Herons to turn their fortunes around.
In the world of Major League Soccer, every match counts, and the upcoming clash against San Jose could be pivotal for Miami's playoff aspirations. As fans eagerly await the next installment of the Herons' season, the focus will be on how the team can translate possession into goals and secure much-needed points.
In summary, the 4-1 loss to Minnesota United is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Inter Miami as they navigate the competitive landscape of MLS. With their next match just around the corner, the team must find a way to rally and reclaim their place among the league's contenders.
