Inter Miami fans have been left frustrated after Lionel Messi and his teammates suffered a 4-1 defeat against Minnesota United away from home. The Herons suffered a fourth defeat in their last five games, with the result leaving them fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Head coach Javier Mascherano expressed his frustration with how things have turned out during the week and trialled a new system against Minnesota United. With Luis Suarez unavailable for the encounter, he went with captain Lionel Messi in a false nine role, with Telasco Segovia and Benjamin Cremaschi supporting him.
Inter Miami sought to build on a big 4-1 win over New York Red Bulls in their most recent MLS game in their first-ever visit to Minnesota United. Their hosts were on a run of two successive wins and defeated Lionel Messi’s team to rise up to second in the Western Conference.
Former Barcelona man Messi was on target for his side, but could not prevent them from falling to a heavy defeat in Minnesota. The Inter Miami fans were unhappy with the performance of their team, and they took to X to air their grievances. A fan asked the club to sack the coach and make signings, as the team keeps disgracing Messi.
Another fan opined that Messi is the only thing keeping the side from finishing bottom of the log.
A fan simply asked that the coach be sacked.
Another fan questioned the presence of a rearguard in the team.
A fan asked the club to sell all of its veterans, bar Messi, and get rid of its South American players.
A rival fan expressed their satisfaction with the result by laughing.
A fan blamed the owners, pointing out that Messi needs to leave soon as they do not match his ambition.
Lionel Messi had an impressive showing in Minnesota but often found his teammates on different wavelengths. He created four chances, more than any other player on either side in the game.
Messi won only one ground duel and made one recovery during the game, maintaining an 87% pass accuracy. He also attempted five shots in the game and featured for the entirety of the game.
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were on the receiving end of a thrashing at the hands of MInnesota United. The Herons suffered a 4-1 defeat away from home for a fourth defeat in their last five games.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane opened the scoring for the home side in the 32nd minute before Anthony Markanich added a second just before half-time. Lionel Messi pulled one back for his side just three minutes into the second half with a fine effort froma Jordi Alba assist.
Inter Miami star Marcelo Weigandt conceded an own goal in the 68th minute before Robin Lod scored for Minnesota United two minutes later. The Herons had 73% of the ball but created only 0.36 xG in the encounter, as the absence of Suarez was keenly felt in the encounter. Their hosts created 0.94 xG and held on to claim all three points at home.
Sulayman has a good feel for the game, which is reflected in his descriptive articles. He double checks information via multiple sources for accuracy, and only uses top-tier platforms like Transfermarkt and Opta for statistical information. His experience and exploits in the industry have led Sulayman to cover the Nigerian Professional League for three years along with games involving the Nigerian national team. He has also worked in F1, joining hands with industry veterans to provide a smooth viewing experience in Nigeria.
Sulayman hails Lionel Messi as the one true GOAT, and his brace in Argentina’s 2005 U20 FIFA World Cup final win over Nigeria left a lasting impact on him. He also supports Chelsea at club level, having followed their dominance under Jose Mourinho. Sulayman also follows other leagues with Nigerian players like Eredivisie, Saudi Pro League, Turkish Super Lig, and more. When not writing, he enjoys cooking and eating.
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