Inter Miami vs Minnesota United, Inter Miami suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat to Minnesota United in MLS Matchday 12, exposing glaring weaknesses and intensifying scrutiny on coach Javier Mascherano. Despite a moment of brilliance from Lionel Messi, the team’s defensive frailties and lack of cohesion led to a humiliating loss, sparking outrage among fans. This article delves into the Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 match, analyzing the performance, fan reactions, and Mascherano’s accountability, optimized for the keyword Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 to capture audience interest in this high-profile MLS clash.
Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025: Lionel Messi’s Goal Fails to Save Team as Fans Slam Javier Mascherano
The Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 encounter at Allianz Field was a stark reminder of Inter Miami’s struggles. Minnesota United, sitting second in the Western Conference with 22 points, dominated from the outset, capitalizing on Miami’s disorganized defense. The loss marked Inter Miami’s second MLS defeat of the season, leaving them fourth in the Eastern Conference with 21 points, trailing leaders Charlotte FC. The 4-1 scoreline was Miami’s heaviest defeat since Messi’s arrival in 2023, surpassing their previous worst, a 3-1 loss to Atlanta United in May 2024.
Minnesota United struck early, with Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Anthony Markanich scoring before halftime to establish a 2-0 lead. Messi, assisted by Jordi Alba, pulled one back early in the second half with a trademark moment of genius, briefly igniting hope. However, an own goal by Marcelo Weigandt in the 68th minute and a blistering strike from Robin Lod two minutes later sealed Miami’s fate. The Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 match highlighted defensive chaos and a lack of attacking rhythm, particularly without Luis Suarez, absent for “personal reasons”.
Player Performances: Messi Shines, Defense Collapses
Lionel Messi (7/10)
Messi’s goal, a clinical finish from Alba’s cross, was the lone bright spot in the Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 debacle. Despite his effort, the 37-year-old couldn’t single-handedly salvage the game, managing three shots and one key pass. His frustration was evident, as noted by former USMNT striker Hercules Gomez, who observed Messi’s dissatisfaction with teammates’ lack of synergy.
Defensive Disarray
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Marcelo Weigandt (3/10): His own goal was a turning point, compounding a shaky performance marked by poor positioning.
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Tomás Avilés (4/10): Struggled to contain Hlongwane and failed to organize the backline.
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Noah Allen (4/10): Overwhelmed by Minnesota’s wing play, particularly Markanich’s runs.
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Jordi Alba (6/10): Provided the assist for Messi’s goal but was exposed defensively, unable to track Lod’s movement.
Midfield and Attack
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Sergio Busquets (5/10): Lacked his usual control, with Minnesota’s high press disrupting his distribution.
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Fafa Picault (5/10): Showed energy but lacked end product, missing a clear chance.
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Robert Taylor (4/10): Ineffective, completing just 68% of his passes and offering little creativity.
Without Suarez, Miami’s attack relied heavily on Messi, exposing their dependency—a point Mascherano acknowledged but downplayed in prior press conferences.
Tactical Analysis: Mascherano’s Missteps
Javier Mascherano’s game plan in the Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 match drew heavy criticism. His high-pressing system, effective earlier in the season when Miami went unbeaten through nine games, faltered against Minnesota’s structured counter-attacks. The absence of Suarez disrupted the “Barcelona core” of Messi, Alba, and Busquets, who have accounted for 13 of Messi’s 25 MLS goals. Substitutes like Benjamin Cremaschi and Telasco Segovia failed to gel, highlighting a lack of chemistry with Messi.
Defensively, Miami’s high line was exploited, with Hlongwane and Markanich finding space behind Weigandt and Allen. Mascherano’s four second-half substitutions, including Yannick Bright for Federico Redondo, did little to stem the tide, as Minnesota maintained control. Posts on X criticized Mascherano’s lineup choices, particularly starting Bright over Redondo and Weigandt over Ian Fray, with one user stating, “Even my grandma knows you don’t start Bright over Redondo”.
Mascherano’s post-match defense—“I don’t think we were outplayed”—further fueled fan frustration, as the 4-1 scoreline and Minnesota’s 16 shots (seven on target) to Miami’s 10 (three on target) told a different story. His admission of responsibility, stating, “When the players’ performance drops, it’s clearly my responsibility,” did little to quell calls for his sacking.
Fan Reactions: Calls for Mascherano’s Exit
The Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 loss ignited a firestorm on social media. Fans, already disillusioned by Miami’s recent form—four losses in five games across all competitions—targeted Mascherano’s tactics and leadership. X posts were scathing:
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“Mascherano is the worst coach I’ve ever seen, he ruins everything he touches. Thank you for ruining Messi’s last years in this sport”.
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“Sack the coach and sign new defenders. You dishonor Messi every day!”.
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“Javier Mascherano is on the path of becoming Inter Miami’s worst manager in history. He has already lost 4 games, drawn 4 games, and conceded 21 goals in 20 games”.
The sentiment reflects broader concerns about Mascherano’s lack of top-flight coaching experience. His tenure with Argentina’s youth teams was criticized, with X users noting his poor record as U20/U23 manager. Fans fear Miami’s star-studded squad, built around Messi, is being mismanaged, jeopardizing their MLS Cup and FIFA Club World Cup aspirations.
Mascherano’s Tenure in Context
Mascherano, appointed in November 2024, inherited a talented Inter Miami side that won the 2024 Supporters’ Shield under Gerardo “Tata” Martino. His early success, including an unbeaten start (3W-0L-1D) and a Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal berth, earned praise from analysts like Calen Carr, who noted Miami’s ability to win without playing their best. However, recent losses, including a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps in the Champions Cup semifinals, have exposed vulnerabilities.
Mascherano’s reliance on the “Barcelona core” has been both a strength and a weakness. While Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets deliver in big moments, the absence of any one—particularly Suarez—disrupts the team’s rhythm. His decision to substitute Messi and Suarez early in a friendly against Club América sparked controversy, and similar tactical choices in competitive matches have drawn scrutiny. Mo Edu, on MLS Soccer’s “This is MLS,” gave Mascherano a B+ for man-management but criticized the team’s discipline, citing three red cards in four games.
Implications for Inter Miami’s Season
The Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 defeat is a low point in a season that began with high expectations. Miami’s upcoming fixtures—a road game against San Jose Earthquakes on May 14 and a home clash with Orlando City on May 18—offer chances to rebound, but Mascherano faces pressure to address defensive lapses and integrate younger players like Cremaschi and Segovia. The MLS transfer window, open until August, provides an opportunity to sign a goalkeeper and defenders, as Mascherano has acknowledged the squad’s lack of depth.
With the FIFA Club World Cup looming in summer 2025, Miami’s ability to compete against global giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City hinges on Mascherano’s adjustments. Fans and co-owner Jorge Mas, who sought Messi’s input on Mascherano’s hire, expect results, and the clock is ticking.
Conclusion
The Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025 match was a stark reminder of Inter Miami’s vulnerabilities under Javier Mascherano. Lionel Messi’s brilliance couldn’t mask defensive chaos and tactical errors, leading to a 4-1 loss that has fans demanding change. Mascherano’s acceptance of responsibility is a start, but with Miami’s MLS Cup and Club World Cup dreams at stake, he must address the team’s flaws. As the Herons face a critical stretch, the spotlight remains on whether Mascherano can turn the tide. Share your thoughts on Miami’s performance and Mascherano’s future in the comments!
FT: Minnesota United 4-1 Inter Miami.
MASCHERANO HAS NOW LOST 5 GAMES, DRAWN 4, AND CONCEDED 28 GOALS IN 24 GAMES! ❌ pic.twitter.com/SvCPCyp6v1
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) May 10, 2025
FAQs: Inter Miami vs Minnesota United 2025
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What was the final score of Inter Miami vs Minnesota United in 2025?
Minnesota United defeated Inter Miami 4-1 on MLS Matchday 12, with goals from Hlongwane, Markanich, Weigandt (own goal), and Lod. -
How did Lionel Messi perform in the match?
Messi scored Miami’s only goal, assisted by Jordi Alba, but couldn’t salvage the game, showing frustration with teammates’ lack of cohesion. -
Why are fans criticizing Javier Mascherano?
Fans blame Mascherano for poor tactics, defensive disorganization, and questionable lineup choices, with some calling for his sacking after four losses in five games. -
What went wrong for Inter Miami defensively?
Miami’s high line was exposed, with Weigandt’s own goal and poor positioning from Avilés and Allen allowing Minnesota to score four times. -
How does this loss impact Inter Miami’s season?
The defeat leaves Miami fourth in the Eastern Conference with 21 points, raising concerns about their MLS Cup and Club World Cup prospects. -
What’s next for Inter Miami?
Miami face San Jose Earthquakes on May 14 and Orlando City on May 18, with Mascherano under pressure to improve results.
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