On May 10, 2025, Lionel Messi faced the heaviest defeat of his Major League Soccer (MLS) career as Inter Miami succumbed to a 4-1 loss against Minnesota United at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. This match marked a significant low point for the Herons, who have now lost four out of their last five games across all competitions, conceding a staggering 14 goals in that span.
The game started with Minnesota's Bongokuhle Hlongwane putting the Loons ahead in the 32nd minute. After a clever pass from Joaquín Pereyra to Carlos Harvey, Hlongwane found space in the box and finished with precision, sneaking the ball past Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. Just before halftime, Minnesota doubled their lead when Anthony Markanich headed home from a long throw-in by Michael Boxall, leaving Miami trailing 2-0 at the break.
Despite the daunting scoreline, Messi, the reigning MLS MVP, managed to pull one back for Miami three minutes into the second half. After receiving a perfectly timed pass from Jordi Alba, Messi displayed his trademark skill with a deft touch and a powerful shot that found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, the hope was short-lived as Miami's defense faltered yet again.
In the 68th minute, disaster struck for Miami when defender Marcelo Weigandt inadvertently headed a corner kick into his own net, extending Minnesota's lead to 3-1. Just two minutes later, Robin Lod capped off the scoring with a blistering shot from the edge of the box, putting the final nail in Miami's coffin at 4-1.
Inter Miami's head coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed his disappointment after the match, noting that the team had prepared for Minnesota's strengths but failed to execute their game plan effectively. "It's a tough loss for us. We knew Minnesota could hurt us in this way, in transitions, on set pieces, and they hurt us in (exactly) the way we had prepared for the game and that's what worries me the most," Mascherano said. He also addressed the absence of Luis Suarez, who missed the match due to personal reasons, and Fafa Picault, who was sidelined by illness.
The defeat is particularly significant as it represents Inter Miami's largest margin of loss since Messi joined the team in 2023. Prior to this match, the team had only experienced one two-goal defeat, a 3-1 loss to Atlanta United in May 2024. Now, with a record of 6-2-3, Miami finds itself in a precarious position, having slipped to fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
On the other hand, Minnesota United celebrated their second consecutive win in the MLS and their third in a row across all competitions, improving their record to 6-2-4 and climbing to 22 points in the league. Manager Eric Ramsay hailed the victory as a significant moment in the club's history, noting the importance of defeating a high-caliber opponent like Miami.
"It’s obviously a phenomenal day for the club, and I’m really pleased we were able to show the club in its best light," Ramsay said. He acknowledged that this match could be considered a signature win for Minnesota, especially given the presence of Messi and the star-studded Miami squad.
The match was also notable for the atmosphere at Allianz Field, with many fans donning Messi jerseys, creating a vibrant backdrop for what turned out to be a historic day for Minnesota United. The crowd was electric, and the players fed off the energy, executing a solid defensive performance while capitalizing on their scoring opportunities.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to reassess their strategies. For Inter Miami, the focus will be on tightening their defense and finding a way to maintain their attacking rhythm, particularly in the absence of key players. Meanwhile, Minnesota will look to build on this momentum, aiming for consistency as they strive for a playoff spot.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of soccer, where fortunes can shift rapidly, and every game presents a new opportunity for teams to prove themselves. As the MLS season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and surprises, keeping the excitement alive in the league.
In the coming weeks, Inter Miami will need to regroup and find their footing, while Minnesota United will aim to continue their winning streak. The competition in the MLS is fierce, and with each match, the stakes grow higher. Both teams will be eager to make their mark as they head into the next phase of the season.
