Inter Miami’s struggles deepened on Sunday as they suffered a heavy 3-0 home defeat to rivals Orlando City, extending their dismal run to just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions. The loss saw Orlando leapfrog Miami in the Eastern Conference standings, with Miami slipping to sixth.
Lionel Messi, visibly frustrated, managed just two shots on target and missed a free-kick from his favored position. “Now is when we’ll truly see if we’re a team,” Messi said post-match, urging unity during tough times.
Despite Messi’s comments, the loss was largely attributed to poor defending, a disjointed midfield, and an ineffective attack led by a fading Luis Suarez. Orlando took the lead with a simple long-ball goal in the 43rd minute, before adding two more—one from a goalkeeping error by Oscar Ustari and another in stoppage time by Dagur Thorhallsson.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano admitted the coaching staff is “failing” and acknowledged the team’s significant dip in confidence and performance since their CONCACAF Champions Cup exit. “We have tried different schemes, different players, but clearly we are still hurting,” he said.
With 20 goals conceded and just 11 scored in their last seven matches, Miami faces mounting pressure to rediscover their form as their season continues to unravel.
