Inter Miami's recent 3-0 defeat to Orlando City marks a significant downturn in the team's performance during Lionel Messi's tenure in Major League Soccer (MLS). This loss is part of a troubling stretch where Inter Miami has secured only one victory in their last seven matches, encompassing both MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup competitions. The team's defensive vulnerabilities are evident, having conceded 20 goals over these seven games.
In the latest match, Orlando City's goals were netted by Luis Muriel, Marco Pasalic, and Dagur Thorhallsson. Despite Messi's efforts, Inter Miami struggled to penetrate Orlando's defense, with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese delivering a standout performance. Messi's frustration was palpable, culminating in his second consecutive yellow card for dissent.
Post-match, Messi voiced his dissatisfaction with the officiating, particularly criticizing a pivotal decision that led to Orlando's opening goal. He called for the MLS to scrutinize referee performances more closely. When questioned about his future with Inter Miami, Messi responded ambiguously, stating, "I don't know anything," thereby fueling speculation about his plans beyond the expiration of his contract on December 31, 2025.
The team's defensive struggles have been exacerbated by the performance of goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, who has conceded 16 goals in the last six matches, averaging 2.6 goals per game. This contrasts sharply with the statistics of former goalkeeper Drake Callender, who had a superior record in terms of goals prevented.
Currently, Inter Miami has slipped to sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The team faces a challenging schedule ahead, including an upcoming match against conference leaders Philadelphia Union. Additionally, preparations are underway for the FIFA Club World Cup, where Inter Miami is set to debut against Al-Ahly on June 14. This will follow a FIFA international break during which Messi will join the Argentine national team for matches against Chile and Colombia.
Despite the current challenges, Messi has emphasized the importance of unity within the team to navigate this difficult period. He has urged his teammates to remain cohesive and focused as they work to reverse their fortunes.
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