Inter Miami lost to their city rival Orlando City with a score of 1-4, missing the opportunity to rise to the top of the MLS rankings. Messi was immediately called back to save the home team.
Messi will shorten the time to return
Coach Mascherano said he could not risk Messi , even though he had recovered from his injury. This is the reason why the coach did not use the Argentine star in the derby rematch with rival Orlando City.
As a result, without Messi, Inter Miami had a poor match, the defense made many mistakes and had to accept another heavy loss of 1-4 after losing 0-3 to the same opponent in the first leg.
Substitutes like De Paul and Suarez, began to feel the immense pressure due to Inter Miami’s extremely dense schedule and lack of necessary support. Therefore, when Messi continued to be absent, Coach Mascherano’s team lost all the magic in attack that they have always had, to turn the situation around whenever they were in a deadlock.
The defeat on their return to MLS (American professional soccer) right after a very successful Leagues Cup group stage (quarter-final), left Inter Miami stuck in the Eastern Conference standings with 42 points after 23 games. They only have 3 games left to play, but have opened up a 9-point lead over the Philadelphia Union, and a 7-point lead over second-placed FC Cincinnati.
Inter Miami’s next match is against LA Galaxy at home at 6:30 a.m. on August 17. According to the American press, coach Mascherano will definitely bring Messi back to play to help the home team find the path to victory.
LA Galaxy are currently bottom of the 2025 MLS standings, which will give Inter Miami a chance to improve their current position and return to the MLS Supporters’ Shield title race.
If Messi shortens his return time to rescue Inter Miami, it will also be a step to prepare for the key match in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup, when Inter Miami meets opponent Tigres UANL at home at 7am on August 21.
