Inter Miami suffered a devastating 3-0 defeat to Orlando City in the MLS on Sunday, reducing them to just one win in their last seven outings.
Lionel Messi failed to inspire his side on a difficult night where chances came sparingly to the hosts. His two shots on target were expertly pushed aside by Orlando keeper Pedro Gallese.
The game stood testament to the way Miami have struggled defensively under Argentine boss Javier Mascherano. Striker Luis Suarez too, failed to capitalize despite having two shots on goal.
Orlando City opened the scoring in the 43rd minute when goalkeeper Pedro Gallese's long ball found Luis Muriel, who converted the opportunity with ease. The visitors continued to exploit Miami's fragile defense, though Argentine Marti Ojeda missed a clear chance to extend the lead.
Miami's goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made some impressive saves before committing an error that led to Orlando's second goal. Marco Pasilic's low shot from the edge of the box went through Ustari's hands and legs.
Despite Miami coach Javier Mascherano's tactical changes to bolster the attack, Orlando sealed their victory in stoppage time.
Duncan McGuire's cross from the left found Icelandic forward Dagur Thorhallsson, who scored the third goal.
"Now we'll truly see if we're a team in difficult times, because when everything's going well it's very easy," Messi told Apple TV. "When difficult times come, that's when we have to be more united than ever, be a true team, and pull ourselves together."'
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Miami's recent form has been concerning, with 20 goals conceded and only 11 scored in their last seven matches. Their sole victory during this period came against the New York Red Bulls on May 3.
New low for Messi and MiamiFollowing the loss to Orlando, Messi and Miami need to regroup and recover for their next game against the Philadelphia Warriors. A surprising statistic reveals the extent to which Miami have been struggling to impress in recent games. The 3-0 defeat on Monday marks the biggest home loss for the club ever since signing the World Cup winner.
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Mascherano acknowledged his team's initial control of the game but expressed concern about their recurring mistakes. "I'd say for 25 or 30 minutes we had it completely under control playing in the opponent's half, but this is how it is, clearly. I'm not going to deny what the result is," he said.
"Unfortunately, we can't afford the mistakes we make; that's clear, but it's pointless for me to come here and tell this story, because it keeps happening. So, clearly, we as a coaching staff are failing in many of these ways, and we have to try to find a way around them so we don't continue failing and so the team starts getting results," Mascherano added.
