On Saturday, May 10, 2025, fans lined up around Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minn., to see Lionel Messi play against Minnesota United. The excitement was palpable as Minnesotans finally got their chance to catch the global superstar in action. Messi, a 37-year-old Argentinian star, made his much-anticipated appearance in an MLS game in Minnesota, having joined Inter Miami in 2023 but missing Minnesota on the schedule for the past two years.
As the day approached, ticket prices skyrocketed, a common occurrence for Miami road games, reflecting the high demand to see the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. When the starting XI was announced, fans who had shelled out significant amounts for tickets could breathe a sigh of relief, knowing Messi would indeed take the field.
The atmosphere at Allianz Field was electric, with not just soccer fans but also fellow star athletes in attendance. Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson, running back Aaron Jones, and Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov were among the notable figures who flocked to the stadium. If the Minnesota Twins weren’t hosting the San Francisco Giants and the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t have a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors, one could only imagine how many more would have joined the crowd.
However, the match turned out to be a harsh reality check for Messi and Inter Miami. They suffered their biggest MLS defeat since Messi’s arrival, falling 4-1 to Minnesota United. This was particularly surprising considering Miami had only previously lost by more than one goal once during Messi's tenure—a 1-3 home loss to Atlanta United in May of the previous year.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane opened the scoring for Minnesota in the 32nd minute, finishing from close range after a well-timed assist from Carlos Harvey. Just before halftime, Anthony Markanich doubled the lead with a header, capitalizing on a long throw-in and a flick-on that left Miami’s defense scrambling.
Messi did manage to get on the scoresheet early in the second half, scoring in the 48th minute after receiving a pass from Jordi Alba. He found space in the penalty area and rolled a shot past the goalkeeper, giving Miami a glimmer of hope. However, that hope was short-lived as Marcelo Weigandt scored an own goal in the 68th minute, inadvertently turning the ball into his own net amidst confusion in the box.
Just two minutes later, Robin Lod sealed the deal for Minnesota with a clinical finish from the edge of the area, leaving Miami reeling. This defeat was a stark reminder of the challenges Miami faces, even with a player of Messi's caliber on the roster. Over the past month, the team has struggled, winning only two of their last seven games.
Head coach Javier Mascherano faced criticism for not being able to devise a strategy to counter Minnesota's physical play. Messi and his teammates now find themselves in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings after 11 games, with the next match against the San Jose Earthquakes on the horizon.
After the match, Minnesota captain Michael Boxall reflected on the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of starting strong. “What I noticed when I was in Miami is that we were always on top of teams the first 30 minutes,” Boxall said, echoing the sentiments of new teammate Julian Gressel, who had earlier noted the need to weather the storm in such matches.
This victory was a significant statement for Minnesota United, who had been among the best in MLS early this season but were looking for a signature win to bolster their playoff aspirations. On the other hand, Miami's struggles highlight the growing pains of a team still trying to find its footing in the league.
The match showcased the unpredictability of soccer; even the greatest players can’t guarantee victory. As fans left Allianz Field, they were left with mixed emotions—excitement for witnessing Messi live but disappointment in the outcome. The journey continues for both teams as they look ahead to their next challenges.
