Inter Miami, the team that finalized the signings of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, extended its deep crisis on the field on Saturday when it was thrashed 4-1 by the Philadelphia Union and accumulates seven consecutive defeats in the North American league (MLS).
The franchise, which has David Beckham as one of the owners, remains in last place in the Eastern Conference, with 15 points in 18 rounds.
On Saturday, while Messi stood out in the tribute match to Maximiliano Rodríguez, in Rosario, Argentina, Inter suffered the heaviest defeat of the season at Union stadium, current MLS runner-up.
The hosts opened the scoring with a corner kick by German Kai Wagner that was deflected into the net by Norwegian defender Jakob Glesnes in the 14th minute.
Final in Philly#PHIvMIA pic.twitter.com/0yeisakwKC
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 25, 2023
Without the ability to react, Inter could only timidly approach the opposing goal after several set pieces by Mexican Rodolfo Pizarro.
At the end of the first half, the hosts expanded by taking advantage of a flagrant error by defender Christopher McVey in an attempt to remove the danger from the area. The ball was left at the feet of Mikael Uhre, who set up Argentina’s Julián Carranza to make it 2-0 in the 39th minute.
The Union forwarded the victory before the break with an accurate shot from the edge of the area by Leon Flach (45+4′).
Inter slowed down at the start of the second half (50′) through Finnish Robert Taylor, but young midfielder David Ruiz scored an own goal when he tried to prevent Carranza from scoring in the area (68′).
The Miami team, led on an interim basis by Argentinian Javier Morales after the sacking of Phil Neville, has not won since May 13 and is 11 points away from the playoff positions.
“The feeling after the match is bad, for the final result,” Morales told the press. “If you look at the control of the game, possession of the ball, the moments we dominated were few, but when a team doesn’t defend well, it’s very difficult to win.”
Although they have not reacted this season, Inter have drawn all the world’s attention in recent weeks due to their behind-the-scenes activity, especially since Lionel Messi confirmed his intention to join the squad on 7 June.
Inter are keen to reunite the Argentine star with old acquaintances such as veteran Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, whose arrival was announced by the club on Friday.
Los Angeles FC also loses in the round
In other MLS results, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) lost 3-2 at home to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Mexican Carlos Vela scored one of the goals for LAFC, current champions, who remain in second place in the West, tied at 32 points with St. Louis City and with a game in hand.
Argentine Emanuel ‘Bebelo’ Reynoso also scored in his first start of the season for Minnesota United. However, the former Boca Juniors midfielder saw his team squander a two-goal lead against Real Salt Lake, who celebrated the 2-2 draw with a late goal from Justen Glad (90+8′).
Already the Atlanta United of the young Thiago Almada, Messi’s companion in winning the third world championship in Qatar-2022, was thrashed 4-0 by the New York Red Bulls.
MLS round results:
Charlotte 0 x 0 Montreal
Columbus Crew 2 x 0 Nashville SC
DC United 3 x 0 FC Cincinnati
New England Revolution 2 x 1 Toronto FC
New York Red Bulls 4 x 0 Atlanta United
Philadelphia Union 4 x 1 Inter Miami
Sporting Kansas City 0 x 1 Chicago Fire
Austin 3 x 0 Houston Dynamo
Colorado Rapids 0 x 0 LA Galaxy
Real Salt Lake 2 x 2 Minnesota United
Los Angeles FC 2 x 3 Vancouver Whitecaps
Portland Timbers 1 x 1 New York City FC
San Jose Earthquakes 1 x 2 St. Louis City
Seattle Sounders 0 x 0 Orlando City
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
