'We need to be smarter' - Javier Mascherano admits to 'too many mistakes' as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s winless stretch continues in 3-3 draw vs San Jose Earthquakes

Inter Miami and head coach Javier Mascherano continue to struggle, with the team still unable to find a win as of mid-May. Wednesday’s 3-3 draw on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes extended their poor run of form to five winless games in their last six outings - a stretch that began in late April.

The Argentine manager was candid about the issues plaguing his team.

“We’re making a lot of mistakes that end up in goals,” Mascherano said post-game. “We need to take away the positives. We fought until the end trying to win the match, and that’s the right spirit. But we have to improve a lot.”

Recent matches have exposed defensive vulnerabilities, with the Herons conceding 17 goals in this stretch. More concerning for Mascherano was the team’s inability to manage key moments.

“I’m very concerned because after scoring the 2-1, they scored on us again so quickly. We need to be smarter, more experienced,” he added.

The draw leaves Inter Miami in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 22 points. However, the team’s current form has raised questions about Mascherano’s future at the helm, particularly with repeated expressions of frustration from Lionel Messi.

Despite the pressure, Mascherano remains focused.

“We started the match in the best way, but unfortunately, once again, the mistakes cost us too much," he said. "Today the team, despite the mistakes, fought until the end.

Calling for composure, he added, “These are individual mistakes, but also about knowing how to manage each moment of the game.”

For a second consecutive match, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez was absent due to personal reasons. However, Mascherano hopes the forward can rejoin the squad ahead of the weekend, potentially giving his side a much-needed boost as they aim to snap their winless streak.

Inter Miami will look to bounce back this Sunday when they host Orlando City at Chase Stadium in Matchday 14 of the MLS season. The Florida rivals face off in contrasting form - Orlando is coming off a 3-1 win over Charlotte FC, though had struggled before that, managing just one win and three draws in their last four games.