Inter Miami, led by Leo Messi and Luis Suárez, is going through its most complicated moment of the season, after being eliminated in the Concacaf Champions League semifinals and suffering a resounding defeat at home against Orlando City.
The team, which began the season with high expectations in MLS, the Leagues Cup, and the Concacaf Champions League, has experienced an unexpected turn in recent weeks.
A Promising Start
Despite defensive concerns, Inter Miami showed confidence and offered highlights, such as in the quarterfinals of the ‘ConcaChampions’, where they came back against Los Angeles FC.
Messi was key in that match with two goals, totaling eight in nine matches. Suárez contributed four goals and five assists at the start of the season.
The Blow in the ‘ConcaChampions’
The elimination against Vancouver was a hard psychological blow. They lost 2-0 in the first leg and 1-3 at home, being left out of one of their main objectives.
Although they defeated the New York Red Bulls 4-1, with a goal by Messi, they failed to maintain the winning streak. Since May 4, they have not won again.
They lost against Minnesota, tied with San Jose Earthquakes, and were thrashed by Orlando City. The defense has been a problem, with ten goals conceded in three matches.
In the last seven matches, they have conceded 20 goals.
Following the derby defeat against Orlando, Messi expressed his frustration with the refereeing.
I think we had a great first half today. We were attacking, creating situations, they couldn’t get out, they were kicking the ball away.
Lionel Messi
Messi pointed out refereeing errors and suggested that MLS should review the performance of the referees.
Mascherano’s Future in Doubt
Javier Mascherano, whose position as coach is at risk, admitted that the team is suffering.
The team has lost a lot of confidence, we have declined in individual and collective level. And it is clear that in one way or another we have tried with different systems, with different names and today it is costing us.
Javier Mascherano
Inter Miami needs to react quickly, especially with the imminent debut in the Club World Cup.
Messi’s team is in a complicated group with Oporto, Palmeiras and Al Ahly.
