Messi's Goal Not Enough as Miami Gets Smashed 4-1! lets

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant goal, but it wasn’t enough to save Inter Miami from a heavy 4-1 defeat against Minnesota United. Despite Messi’s magic, Miami’s defense struggled, and Minnesota took full advantage to seal a stunning victory at home.

Big Defeat for Inter Miami Despite Messi’s Goal

Messi’s Goal Can’t Save Miami

Usually, when Lionel Messi scores, it means good news for Inter Miami. But on Saturday night, things were very different. In a surprising match in the Major League Soccer (MLS), Miami lost badly even though Messi found the net.

Messi scored his fifth MLS goal of the season, but that was not enough. Inter Miami suffered their biggest loss since Messi joined the team. They were beaten 4-1 by Minnesota United in St. Paul.

This win gave Minnesota back-to-back victories. They had beaten Austin 3-0 in their previous match, which ended a three-game streak without a win.

Suarez and Picault Missing From Miami’s Lineup

Inter Miami were not at full strength. Their top forward, Luis Suarez, did not play in the match. He stayed back for personal reasons and did not travel to St. Paul. Winger Fafa Picault also missed the game due to illness.

These two missing players made things even harder for Messi and the rest of the team.

Minnesota Scores First and Takes Control Fast

The match started with Minnesota showing strong control. They got their first goal in the 32nd minute, when Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored his first of the season. He got behind the defense after a smart pass from Carlos Harvey and finished with a quick one-touch shot.

Just before halftime, in the stoppage time of the first half, Markanic made it 2-0 with a powerful header. This was his second goal in two matches and the third of his MLS career.

Messi Scores But It’s Not Enough

In the second half, Messi tried to pull Miami back into the game. He scored in the 48th minute, just a few minutes after the restart. The goal came from a cross by Jordi Alba, which Messi expertly placed past Minnesota’s goalkeeper Dane St. Clair.

That made the score 2-1, and for a moment it looked like Miami might fight back.

Things Get Worse for Miami

But the hope did not last long. In the 68th minute, Miami fell further behind when defender Marcelo Weigandt accidentally put the ball into his own net. That own goal made it 3-1 for Minnesota.

Just two minutes later, Robin Lod made it 4-1. He scored his first goal of the season after receiving a smooth pass from Tani Oluwaseyi, and finished it with a clean one-touch shot.

Minnesota took full control of the match after that, and Miami couldn’t recover.

Miami’s Recent Form and Match History

This loss comes just after Inter Miami had bounced back from a tough 4-3 defeat to Dallas with a 4-1 win over the New York Red Bulls. So, this sudden big loss was a surprise.

Miami and Minnesota United have only played once before. That match happened in June 2022, and Miami won 2-1 at home. But this time, Minnesota took revenge in a big way.

Final Thoughts – A Night to Forget for Miami

Lionel Messi showed his class once again with a brilliant goal. But soccer is a team game, and one goal wasn’t enough to stop Minnesota from running away with a 4-1 victory.

For Inter Miami, this match is a reminder that they need their full squad and strong defense to compete in tough away games. For Minnesota United, it’s a big win that will boost their confidence as they continue their MLS journey.