Messi Calls for Unity After Inter Miami's Struggles

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Following a disappointing 3-0 home loss to in-state rivals Orlando City at Chase Stadium on Sunday night, Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi called for unity and resilience within the squad.

The defeat marks Inter Miami’s fifth loss in its last seven matches, with the team conceding 20 goals since the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal against the Vancouver Whitecaps on April 24.

“It's a tough moment,” Messi told Apple TV after the match. “We have to keep going and stay united. When things are going well, it’s easy to be a team. But now, during tough times, we need to stick together more than ever, stay strong, and push forward. We have what it takes.”

Miami's last win came on May 3 in a 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Since then, they’ve endured two losses and a draw, slipping to sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.

“We’re going through a rough patch,” Messi acknowledged. “But we have to focus on the games ahead. There are still a few matches left in May, and we need to close the month strong to be ready for the Club World Cup.”

Head coach Javier Mascherano echoed Messi’s sentiments in his postgame press conference, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and a united front.

“When results go against you, it’s easy to start pointing fingers, but that won’t help,” Mascherano said. “We have to get through this together. This group has already shown earlier in the season what they’re capable of. Right now, I take full responsibility. I won’t single out any players. They all give their best, and our job is to support them and help them improve.”

Mascherano noted that the team tried to take calculated risks against Orlando to counter their strengths, but a few critical errors proved costly.

Despite the current form, Mascherano expressed optimism about the team’s future, including a possible contract extension for Messi, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.

Inter Miami now shifts its focus to an away matchup against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at Subaru Park.