Messi Suffers Worst Defeat of His American Career
Argentine star Lionel Messi endured his worst defeat yet in his American career, as his team Inter Miami lost 1-4 to hosts Minnesota United on Saturday, in the 12th round of the MLS.
Although Messi managed to score early in the second half, Inter Miami once again struggled defensively and suffered their fourth defeat in the last five matches across all competitions. These included two losses to Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps, an MLS team, in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals (0-2 and 1-3).
With Uruguayan Luis Suárez out injured, his fellow countryman, coach Javier Mascherano, opted to play without a traditional striker, assigning Messi to lead the attack as a false nine, supported by a five-man midfield.
Minnesota ended the first half ahead with two goals — one by South African Bongokuhle Hlongwane in the 32nd minute, and another by Anthony Markanich with a header in injury time, following a long throw-in.
Messi seemed to bring Inter Miami back into the game when he reduced the deficit in the 48th minute, receiving an assist from Spaniard Jordi Alba. However, fellow Argentine Marcelo Weigandt dashed his teammates’ hopes by accidentally scoring an own goal in the 68th minute, handing Minnesota a 3-1 lead. Finnish player Robin Lod sealed the deal with a fourth goal for Minnesota 20 minutes from time.
With their second league loss of the season, Inter Miami remains at 21 points in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, four points behind joint leaders Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati. Minnesota, meanwhile, rose to second in the Western Conference with 22 points, four behind leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.
