'Clearly the one responsible is me' - Coach Javier Mascherano admits floundering Inter Miami have 'lost a great deal of confidence' after 3-0 drubbing by Orlando City

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged that his team is experiencing a deep downturn in form, one that worsened Sunday’s heavy 3-0 drubbing by in-state rivals Orlando City.

“The team has lost a great deal of confidence. We've dropped in both individual and collective performance,” Mascherano said after the match. “And it’s clear that we’ve tried - through different systems and different players - but right now, it’s very difficult for us.”

Mascherano, however, refrained from blaming officiating, focusing instead on his team’s repeated breakdowns.

"The reality is that, beyond whether the play was controversial due to the back pass, we again made the same mistakes that cost us the match," he said.

The Argentine coach admitted that the responsibility lies with the technical staff.

"Clearly the one responsible is me, I’ve said that before," he said. "We can’t afford the kinds of mistakes we’re making. That’s been clearly identified, but there’s no use in me coming here and repeating it - because it keeps happening. In many of these aspects, we’re failing as a coaching staff, and we have to find a way to stop making these mistakes so that the team can start getting results."

The loss to Orlando marked Inter Miami’s fifth defeat in their last seven matches across all competitions, including the MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup. Defensively, the team has been vulnerable, conceding a staggering 20 goals during that stretch.

A 3–3 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes and a 4–1 win over the New York Red Bulls were the only bright spots in an otherwise bleak run that also includes a 5-1 aggregate loss to Vancouver Whitecaps, a 4-3 defeat to FC Dallas, and a 4–1 loss against Minnesota United.

Despite showing early promise against Orlando, Mascherano lamented yet another critical mistake that turned the game.

“I think we were playing a very good first half, controlling the game, creating chances, having the clearest opportunities," he said. "But once again, a lapse - on a relatively easy ball - cost us. We’re in one of those moments where every mistake turns into a goal.”

Lionel Messi, who spoke to Apple TV after the game, also expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly regarding the controversial buildup to Orlando’s opening goal, which stemmed from what appeared to be a back pass.

"The truth is there are times when there are key errors, like in the last match (against San Jose Earthquakes), you know?" he said. "These aren’t excuses, but there’s always something with the referees in a crucial play. I think the MLS should take a closer look at the referee issue."

Miami currently are sixth in the Eastern Conference with 22 points from 13 matches. Their next challenge is a road trip to face Philadelphia Union, who top the East with 29 points in 14 games.

Orlando City, on the other hand, is now fifth in the standings with 24 points. The team, managed by Óscar Pareja, is riding an impressive 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. They will host Nashville SC on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup and then face the Portland Timbers at home in MLS play on Saturday.