Lionel Messi suffered the most lopsided loss of his Major League Soccer career on Saturday as Inter Miami slumped to a 4-1 defeat against Minnesota United.
Despite scoring early in the second half, the Argentine superstar couldn’t prevent his side from collapsing defensively, marking their fourth loss in five games across all competitions — a stretch in which they’ve conceded 14 goals.
With Luis Suárez sidelined due to injury, head coach Javier Mascherano chose a strikerless formation, deploying Messi in a free role ahead of a five-man midfield. However, the tactical shift failed to pay dividends.
Minnesota struck first in the 32nd minute after Miami’s defense was undone by a clever buildup. Joaquín Pereyra threaded a pass to Carlos Harvey, who squared it to Bongokuhle Hlongwane for a clinical finish inside the box.
Messi had a brief moment six minutes later, creating space in a crowded area, but his tame low shot offered little threat.
The hosts doubled their lead just before halftime when a long throw from Michael Boxall was flicked on by Nicolas Romero and met by Anthony Markanich at the far post.
Three minutes into the second half, Messi responded with a signature finish after being found by Jordi Alba, trimming the deficit to 2-1.
But any hopes of a comeback were short-lived. Minnesota extended their lead when a corner was headed goalward by Tani Oluwaseyi, only for Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt to deflect the ball into his own net.
Oluwaseyi continued to shine, holding off Noah Allen before teeing up Robin Lod, who sealed the result with a composed side-foot finish from the edge of the box.
Mascherano, clearly frustrated after the match, revealed his game plan was disrupted when emergency starter Fafa Picault suffered a migraine shortly before kick-off.
He admitted disappointment in his side’s inability to deal with scenarios they had specifically prepared for.
