'I don’t think we were outplayed' - Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano defends team's performance despite 4-1 loss to Minnesota United

Javier Mascherano reflected on Inter Miami’s 4-1 defeat against Minnesota United as the Herons suffered their fourth loss in their last five matches. After Lionel Messi's goal briefly made it 2-1, the coach stressed the third goal conceded by Miami was costly.

"The third goal killed us," he said. "Unfortunately, it’s a tough defeat for us because, despite everything, we knew Minnesota could hurt us in this way—the way we had prepared for—and that’s what worries me the most."

Mascherano, who has now lost five matches as head coach, also discussed the tactical approach he implemented at Allianz Field. The manager elected not to field a striker after Luis Suarez had to miss the match due to "personal reasons."

"We had prepared for the game differently. This morning, Fafa [Picault] woke up with a migraine and couldn’t play, which forced us to change our setup. The areas we need to improve are mainly defensive," said the manager.

He added, "It’s very hard to find clarity when there’s no space. Of course, that’s not an excuse - we have to work on that. The opponent did well, and we struggled. We had some chances, but every time we attacked, they hurt us badly in transition."

Inter Miami suffered their second defeat of the MLS season with a heavy 4-1 loss on the road against Minnesota United — their fourth defeat in the last five matches, raising alarm bells within the organization. It’s not just the results that concern Miami; Javier Mascherano’s side has now conceded 13 goals across those four losses.

With Suárez unavailable, Mascherano started the match at Allianz Field without a central striker, and the lack of a focal point up front was evident as the Herons went into halftime trailing 2-0 following goals from Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Anthony Markanich.

The second half began brightly, with Messi pulling one back in the 48th minute - his 44th goal in 54 appearances for the club - but defensive lapses proved costly once again. An own goal by Marcelo Weigandt restored Minnesota’s two-goal cushion before Robin Lod sealed the result in the 70th minute.

Despite the loss, Inter Miami remains in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 21 points, though their position is at risk depending on other results.

“When we analyze the game, I think Columbus outplayed us, and we still won. But both against Dallas and today, I don’t think we were outplayed. Our game plan was clear - to control the match and play in the opponent’s half," Mascherano said of his team's performance Saturday.

The Herons will face the San Jose Earthquakes this Wednesday as visitors in the MLS regular season. Mascherano's team will be looking to return to winning ways.