MLS: Minnesota United beaten Inter Miami 4-1© AFP
Lionel Messi suffered the greatest defeat of his MLS career while Inter Miami collapsed to a 4-1 defeat against Minnesota United on Saturday. The Argentinian scored in the second half, but the defense of Miami was again exposed when they fell to a fourth defeat in their last five games all competitions – a race which saw them conceded 14 goals. With Luis Suarez Wounded, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano chose to play without a target attacker recognized with Messi floating in front of a midfielder of five men.
Bongukuhle Hlongwane pulled the Minnesota in the 32nd minute after the defense of Miami was exposed by a smart pass from Joaquín Pereyra to Carlos Harvey who chose the South African international striker in the box.
Messi provided the first real recall of his presence six minutes later when he worked in space in a crowded area, but his low right kick was harmless.
The Minnesota doubled their advance on the half-time when a long launch of Michael Boxall was headed by Nicolas Romero and Anthony Markanich hosted in the back.
Messi struck three minutes after the interval when he was found in the box by Jordi Alba and provided his first characteristic touch and fatal finish to reduce the deficit.
But the Minnesota responded beautifully – Tani Oluwaseyi led an advanced turn and the defender of Miami Marcelo Weigandt headed for his own net.
Then, the excellent Oluwaseyi retained Noah Allen before sliding the ball inside to Robin Lod and the Finnish midfielder made no mistakes with a perfect side finish from the edge of the box.
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