Lionel Messi scores goal, but Inter Miami falls 4-1 to Minnesota United: Highlights
Lionel Messi scored the 860th goal of his legendary career during his first Major League Soccer game in Minnesota, but Inter Miami found itself on the disappointing end of a blowout.
Messi’s goal in the 47th minute was the lone highlight for Inter Miami in a 4-1 defeat to Minnesota United at Allianz Field on May 10.
Messi, 37, made a cut on the left side of the net and received a pass from Jordi Alba, striking the ball just enough to hit the right post and count on the scoreboard for Inter Miami.
While Messi trails longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo (934) on the all-time goals list, he reached 860 goals faster than Ronaldo by 91 games. The Argentine World Cup winner is two goals shy of having 100 more than Brazilian legend Pele (762).
Bongokuhle Hlongwane (32’), Anthony Markanich (45’+2’) and Robin Lod (70’) scored for Minnesota, which also was gifted an own goal (68’) when Inter Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt’s attempt to clear a corner kick found the back of Minnesota’s net.
The loss is the fourth in five games for Inter Miami, which includes the first three-game losing streak the club has endured since Messi joined the club in July 2023. This result could drop Inter Miami from fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, with most of the league in action on Saturday night.
“The third goal finished us off. It killed us,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of the own goal. “Unfortunately, it's a tough defeat for us because, above all, we knew that Minnesota could hurt us in this way — in transitions, on set pieces — and they ended up hurting us in the way we had prepared for the game. And that's what worries me the most.”
Minnesota maintains its standing in second place in the MLS Western Conference standings with 22 points, behind first-place Vancouver — the club that beat Inter Miami twice during its losing skid, eliminating Miami in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup tournament.
Inter Miami dominated possession in Minnesota, but its offense was pedestrian at best without Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (personal reasons) and veteran MLS forward Fafa Picault (migraine).
Messi played alongside a lineup stacked with Inter Miami midfielders — Benjamin Cremaschi, Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Federico Redondo and Sergio Busquets — collectively unable to move forward past the goal area during the match. Inter Miami’s defense was picked apart by Minnesota’s ability to make timely attacks.
Inter Miami will remain on the road and travel to California to face the San Jose Earthquakes on May 14 at 10:30 p.m. ET. The club has five regular-season matches remaining in May before they play in the opening match of the Club World Cup against Al Ahly on June 14 in Miami.
Inter Miami vs. Minnesota: Highlights
Robin Lod goal: Minnesota 4, Inter Miami 1
Minnesota is pouring it on Messi and Inter Miami after a goal by Robin Lod in the 70th minute.
Inter Miami own goal: Minnesota 3, Inter Miami 1
Any chance for an Inter Miami comeback became more difficult after an own goal by defender Marcelo Weigandt in the 68th minute, following a corner kick.
Messi scores goal to begin second half: Minnesota 2, Inter Miami 1
Messi found a window of space on the left side via a pass from Jordi Alba, and put just enough power in his legendary left leg toward the right post to find the net. Messi’s goal in the 47th minute is the burst of life Inter Miami needed after a pedestrian first half in Minnesota.
Anthony Markanich goal: Minnesota 2, Inter Miami 0
Minnesota has doubled its lead just before halftime as a header by Anthony Markanich finds the back of the net, following on a set piece. Markanich finished a tip from Nicolás Romero after a throw in by Michael Boxall just before the first-half whistle was blown (45’+2’).
Messi misses right boot on goal: Minnesota 1, Inter Miami 0
Messi dribbled and fired a shot with his right leg, but it was safely cleared by Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair in the 38th minute. It was Messi’s best opportunity of the match in the first half as halftime approaches.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane goal: Minnesota 1, Inter Miami 0
Minnesota found a rare, quick possession and struck decisively as Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored in the 32nd minute. It’s been a quiet effort offensively for Messi and Inter Miami, lulling Minnesota with possession but barely any efforts near the net or on goal.
Justin Jefferson attends Messi match in Minnesota
NFL star receiver Justin Jefferson, of the Minnesota Vikings is in attendance for the Messi match.
How to watch Minnesota United vs. Inter Miami match?
The match is available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Is Messi playing today in Minnesota?
Messi has been confirmed as a starter in the Inter Miami lineup for the Minnesota match.
Luis Suarez won’t play vs. Minnesota
Messi will be missing his longtime running mate in Luis Suarez — the Uruguayan star did not travel with the club to Minnesota due to personal reasons.
Messi scores goal in Inter Miami’s last match
Messi scored a goal, while Luis Suarez scored and assisted another in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win on May 3 vs. New York Red Bulls. It was a bounce-back victory for Inter Miami after they lost three straight matches for the first time since Messi joined the club.
They were eliminated by Vancouver in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup in two matches, and dropped a home match to FC Dallas.
Inter Miami is led by coach Javier Mascherano, who played at FC Barcelona with Inter Miami stars Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Minnesota looking up at Vancouver in MLS standings
Minnesota is second in the MLS Western Conference with 19 points from five wins, two losses and four draws – trailing Vancouver (26 points). Forward Tani Oluwasey leads Minnesota with five goals, while Designated Player Joaquín Pereyra leads with four assists. They are led by second-year coach Eric Ramsay, a former Manchester United assistant coach.
Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule
- May 14: San Jose vs. Inter Miami, 10:30 p.m. ET
- May 18: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City, 7 p.m. ET
- May 24: Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET
- May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET
- May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET
Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup
- June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmerias, 9 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
- June 14: Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
- June 19: Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)