Video: Lionel Messi nets for Inter Miami in a tough 4-1 loss vs Minnesota United in MLS

Things were very difficult for Inter Miami against Minnesota United. They were outplayed for most of the match and suffered a 4-1 defeat on Major League Soccer Matchday 12. Lionel Messi scored the only goal for the Herons.

The match was heavily tilted in favor of the hosts during the first half. They controlled possession and pushed the game into the Herons’ half, creating several dangerous chances and even having a goal disallowed for offside. In the 32nd minute, Carlos Harvey delivered a brilliant assist to Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who fired a precise shot from inside the box to open the scoring.

That lead only reinforced Minnesota United’s dominance, and in the following minutes they doubled their advantage with a goal from Anthony Markanich: In stoppage time, the defender headed the ball past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari after a headed pass from Nicolas Romero.

Messi shows his talent

In the second half, Inter Miami displayed a much-improved version of themselves, with better ball control and a stronger attacking intent. In that context, just three minutes in, Lionel Messi gave them hope by doing what he does best: scoring goals.

With Minnesota United fully dropped back in defense, Noah Allen played the ball to Jordi Alba. The Spanish defender took his time to assess the situation and delivered a pinpoint pass to Messi, who controlled it inside the box and fired a precise left-footed shot.

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The hope was short-lived for Inter Miami

In the minutes following Messi’s goal, the Herons produced their best spell of the match. They pinned their opponents deep and, while they didn’t create many clear scoring chances, it felt like the equalizer was within reach.

However, everything unraveled in the 23rd minute of the second half, when Marcelo Weigandt couldn’t avoid deflecting the ball into his own net, extending Minnesota’s lead to 3-1. That blow hit the Herons hard, and just two minutes later they conceded again, this time to a well-placed strike from Robin Lod.

How are Inter Miami doing in MLS?

The sting of elimination in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Vancouver Whitecaps seems to have impacted Inter Miami in Major League Soccer as well. They have lost two of their last three matches in the league and missed the chance to reach the top of the standings.

Now, the Herons sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 21 points, three behind leaders Columbus Crew. The good news is they’ll have a quick chance to bounce back: on Wednesday, they’ll face SJ Earthquakes at PayPal Park, followed by a Florida state showdown against Orlando City next Sunday at Chase Stadium.