Messi Calls for Unity as Inter Miami Faces Challenging Period in MLS

Lionel Messi has called for team unity as Inter Miami’s concerning form continued with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Orlando City in the Florida derby MLS clash.

Messi Calls for Unity as Inter Miami Faces Challenging Period in MLS

“Now we’ll truly see if we’re a team in difficult times, because when everything’s going well it’s very easy,” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “When difficult times come, that’s when we have to be more united than ever, be a true team, and pull ourselves together.”

The loss marked Miami’s fifth defeat in seven matches across all competitions, dropping them to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Orlando City dominated the encounter with goals from Luis Muriel, Marco Pasalic, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, while Messi delivered an uncharacteristically quiet performance.

This alarming slump comes at a particularly concerning time for the franchise, with their participation in next month’s Club World Cup looming. The tournament will see Miami compete against some of the world’s elite clubs, making their current defensive frailties—having conceded 20 goals in their last seven matches—especially worrying.

Head coach Javier Mascherano, who took charge in November, echoed his captain’s sentiments about collective responsibility: “When you are in this dynamic, if we each start pulling ourselves to the side, it’ll be impossible to overcome the moment.”

Miami’s current struggles represent a dramatic reversal from their early-season form when they looked poised to build on last season’s Eastern Conference-topping performance. The team’s attacking prowess, led by Messi alongside former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, had previously made them one of the most entertaining sides in MLS.

Analysts point to defensive organization as the primary issue, with the team struggling to maintain shape when losing possession. Additionally, Miami’s congested fixture schedule may be taking a physical toll on the aging stars in their squad.

As Miami looks to regroup, they’ll need to address these vulnerabilities quickly. With the playoff race tightening and international competition approaching, Messi’s call for unity will be crucial if they hope to recapture their early-season momentum and challenge for honors this campaign.

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