A nail-biting draw, rising frustrations, and a superstar frontline under pressure — Inter Miami’s early-season turbulence has hit its peak over the past weeks. Last Saturday, Lionel Messi and his teammates were handed their most humbling MLS defeat yet in a 4-1 demolition by Minnesota United, a night that went from bad to worse with injuries, absences, and rising questions over their once-promising campaign.
Then, on Thursday, after a thrilling match, Inter Miami and San Jose Earthquakes were able to settle for a tied score. Even though they got off to a fast start, the Herons had to fight back to tie the San Jose Earthquakes for a draw in MLS. But amid the mounting tension and the sting of ridicule, a glimmer of hope has returned. Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, has offered a critical update that might finally steady the ship. And, for Messi, it’s a reason to smile again.
Miami’s current predicament carries more than a passing resemblance to Lionel Messi’s time at Paris Saint-Germain. A stacked attack — featuring Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba — has not been enough to compensate for a brittle defense and a team structure in disarray.
The Florida side has struggled to find equilibrium. Even with flashes of brilliance in attack, the Herons have conceded three or more goals in four of their last five matches, including the devastating 5-1 CONCACAF Champions Cup aggregate loss to Vancouver. Their only win in the past six games came against a struggling side, while even mid-table opponents like FC Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes have piled on the goals.
What did Mascherano say about Suarez?
Finally, some good news. Luis Suarez, who missed Inter Miami’s last two matches due to a family trip planned months ago, is back in full training. Javier Mascherano confirmed the update ahead of the team’s clash with Orlando City in Rivalry Week.
“Luis is training normally — he worked with the reserve squad yesterday,” the Argentine told reporters on Friday. “The first day I arrived on the job, Luis told me he had this trip planned, and when the time arrived, he had played almost every game, so we saw it as an opportunity to give him a rest.”
Miami now returns home to face state rivals Orlando City in what has quietly become one of the the league’s most balanced matchups. In 15 previous meetings, both teams have claimed five victories and drawn five times — setting the stage for a fierce showdown at Chase Stadium on Sunday.
