Inter Miami loses for first time in Messi era

by Effie

After this win, dreams of returning to playoffs become complicated

Inter Miami played without Lionel Messi or Jordi Alba against Atlanta United, with Gerardo Martino’s side winning 5-2 meaning Argentina The first loss since the star’s arrival.

Inter Miami has accumulated twelve unbeaten matches in different competitions (eleven wins and one draw), which allowed them to win their first ever title (League Cup) and advance to another final (US Open Cup).

After this defeat, Inter Miami’s challenge of continuing to climb the regular league standings to qualify for the MLS playoffs becomes more complicated. On several occasions when the Pink side dominated, they were just three points away from goal, but now they are forced to win many of their remaining seven games.

Leonardo Campana scored two goals for Florida (opening the scoring and leading 2-1), but the team led by Mexican Gonzalo Pineda lost to Muyamba, Lennon, Jakou Satisfied with goals from Markakis and Wolfe, plus Miller’s own goal in the 41st minute.

The absence of Messi and Alba, who remain in Miami, as well as substitutions of usual starters such as Venezuelan Josef Martinez or Ukrainian Sergey Kravtsov, indicate that the US Open final against the United States in ten days’ time It is a pressure for the team. Martino’s tactical approach.

Inter Miami have never conceded five goals this season, a result that may raise doubts among Martino as to whether he can rest his stars in the final stages of the season in order to achieve the goal of “playoffs”.

Messi was called out on Atalanta social media after the duel after uploading a story on social media about ordering pizza on the day of the match when he was not present.