On the morning of May 3rd, Messi contributed to every goal for Inter Miami, helping them take a 3-0 lead against rivals Orlando City after just over 30 minutes of play, but their defense let them down as their opponents came back to win 4-3.
Messi is full of excitement before the World Cup, but…
Messi alone clearly couldn't carry an Inter Miami team with a consistently inconsistent defense. He played exceptionally well in the first half, scoring a goal and providing an assist, helping his team take an early 3-0 lead against Orlando City. But then the defense gifted the opposition opportunities to come back and win 4-3.
Inter Miami thought they would finally end their three-game home winless streak with a victory against their city rivals Orlando City, but ultimately they suffered their first home defeat at the Nu Arena.
Messi scored a goal and provided an assist in a moment of exhilaration, but Inter Miami ultimately suffered a major shock.
Photo: Reuters
Messi reached the milestone of 906 career goals and now has 408 assists, a new record. The spectators at the Nu Stadium witnessed a magical and extremely exhilarating Messi, at least in the first half.
The Argentinian star is showing incredibly impressive form right before the World Cup, contributing to every chance and goal for Inter Miami. This includes Ian Fray's opening goal in the 4th minute, an assist for Telasco Segovia's 2-0 lead in the 25th minute, and a combination with Suarez before unleashing a perfect shot from outside the box to make it 3-0 for Inter Miami in the 33rd minute.
World Cup records waiting for Messi to break
Towards the end of the first half, Orlando City narrowed the score to 1-3 thanks to a goal from Martin Ojeda. But Inter Miami will have many reasons to regret not being able to finish off their opponent in the first half, with many other opportunities going unanswered. Most notably, Orlando City's goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau, played exceptionally well, making five saves, including a perfect free-kick from Messi, preventing his team from suffering a heavier defeat than 1-3.
Messi alone clearly cannot carry an Inter Miami team that is always inconsistent in defense.
Photo: Reuters
In the second half, Inter Miami continued to dominate their city rivals, but once again their defensive errors were exposed, costing them dearly despite their advantageous lead. The Orlando City players performed poorly in the first half, but in the second half they consistently exploited Inter Miami's defensive lapses to punish them.
Striker Ojeda, who scored a late goal to keep Orlando City's hopes alive, continued to threaten Inter Miami's defense, converting two more chances to score and complete a hat-trick in the 68th and 79th minutes from the penalty spot. This resulted in a shocking 3-3 draw.
In injury time, as the Inter Miami players pushed too far forward in search of a goal, Orlando City punished them once again. This time, Tyrese Spicer capitalized on an opportunity to score in the 90+3 minute, securing a 4-3 victory for Orlando City.
Messi, frustrated with his teammates, argued with the referee and received a yellow card, bringing an end to Inter Miami's bizarre match. This loss leaves them in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 19 points after 11 games.
Inter Miami will be looking to add veteran midfielder Casemiro this summer, right after the World Cup, which could help them stabilize their leaky defense.