Inter Miami CF's 4-1 victory against New York Red Bulls in MLS play last Saturday was a breath of fresh air after a crushing 5-1 CONCACAF Champions Cup defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps. The bounce-back win appeared to be a huge relief for everyone in the squad — except captain Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi scored but Inter Miami suffered a comprehensive 4-1 defeat by Major League Soccer rivals Minnesota United. Goals from Bongokuhle Hlongwane just after the half-hour and Anthony Markanich on the stroke of half-time set Miami on the path to a fourth defeat in their last five matches in all competitions.

Pressure is growing on Messi’s old pal Javier Mascherano, who has just overseen Inter Miami’s worst defeat of the Messi era. Messi scored to end a rare four-match goalless str